Sioux Painted Pictorial Buffalo Hide

finely painted with a series of equestrian figures in a variety of postures, some wearing feather or split-horn bonnets, or carrying shields, feathered lances, rifles or coup sticks; inscribed with the Heye Foundation number: 14/5680, and 9311.

Heye Foundation, 14/5680, the catalogue card states: "Painted buffalo robe. Bought by Corporal Louis E. Clave, 332 M.D. Casual Company, U.S. Marines, in 1887 from Indian who said he killed the buffalo northwest of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Sioux, Purchase:Exchange with Karl May Museum, June 1939."

The Zeilinski Collection, Berlin, Germany

Sold Christies New York, June 2004, lot 219

Acquired by the present owner from the above

Die Prarieindianer Nordamerikas 1840-1890, front cover

Very good condition with typical wear for its age, some slightly heavier wear in some places. The robe has been outfitted for proper hanging.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a related example and discussion of painted robes see Richard Conn, Native American Art in the Denver Art Museum, New York, 1979, p.139: "Before the critical confrontation between native and American military forces began on the plains, intertribal warfare had been a vehicle by which men established and improved their status within the tribe...To preserve a public record of these exploits, Plains men painted representational scenes on leather robes, tipi covers, and tipi linings...Its elements include episodic, non-chronological narrative content, precision in recording details of war equipment, and a stylization characterized by the flat, two dimensional treatment of each figure. Horses usually appear at a flying gallop, with all four legs extended."