Fine Western Apache Beaded and Fringed Tailored Hide Shirt

styled in the manner of a US Army officer's military coat and probably worn by an Apache scout, with a rich yellow ochre pigment overall, decorated with panels of long fringe on the shoulders, sleeves, waist and hem, stitched in glass beadwork, with a series of arrow-form elements radiating from a diamond chain on the collar, the elements repeated with a column of stacked triangles on the spine, and with narrow beaded bands of triangles and checkered patterning encircling the chest, back, and middle and lower torso, similar details along the arms, wrists, and up the front, the alternating fields profusely decorated with rows of flattened brass and silver buttons in a variety of sizes, probably re-cycled from cartridge casings.

Reportedly collected by an Indian services doctor who worked on the San Carlos Reservation in the early 1870s

Private New Mexico Collection

Sold Sotheby's New York, May 1998, lot 650

Acquired by the present owner at the above sale 

Reportedly exhibited at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893

Very good condition with typical wear for age and some use.
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 identified as San Carlos see Tom Hill and Richard Hill, eds., Creation's Journey, Washington D.C. p. 90.