Fine Creek Beaded Cloth Bandolier Bag

in the form of a square pouch with triangular flap, suspended on a shoulder strap with forked ends, composed of dark blue indigo-dyed wool trade cloth and black velvet, backed with printed calico fabric and edged in red silk binding, finely stitched in tiny glass seed beads in white, light blue, translucent red and pumpkin, with zigzag and cross motifs on the front panel, a rectangle with emergent branch-like formations on the flap, possibly an abstraction of a deer, the strap above with a column of chevrons flanked by trefoils on one side, the opposite with a meandering design of additional branch-like formations; a paper label with ink inscription on the interior flap: "this bag is made by old Indian Chief Niah Mathla - Near Columbus, Ohio, 1835."

Sold Christie's New York, January 2005, lot 241
Private New England Collection
Acquired by the present owner from the above 

Good overall condition with typical wear from age. Minor beadloss; small tears to the fabric. Minor bead stabilization and restoration.
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.

This lot is accompanied by a portrait of Chief Neamathla by Charles Bird King from 1826 and published as a lithograph by F.W. Greenough, Philadelphia in 1836. Of Chief Neamathla McKinney and Hall wrote: "Neamathla, who has been one of the most distinguished of the Seminoles, and was at one time their head man, or principle chief, was by birth a Creek." For remarks by Governor Duval to the Secretary of Defense dated April 11, 1824 see Lowrie and Franklin, p. 616: "Neamathla is a most uncommon man...the greatest man you have ever seen among the Indians...He is a man of uncommon capacity; bold, violent and restless."