Sioux Beaded Buffalo Hide Robe

composed of finely tanned buffalo hide skin, sinew sewn in pink, yellow, red, green and light blue glass beadwork against a white ground, with a classic "box and border" design, the centermost panel, with concentric diamonds, pronged elements and stylized feather designs; the whole painted in rich yellow ochre.

Private Collection, Sussex England
Donald Ellis Gallery
Acquired from Grimmer-Roche

Very good overall condition with typical wear for its age, including areas of minor bead loss, light staining, small tears. There appears to be previous water damage at one corner of the hide. Minor bead replacement/stabilzation; cleaned and conserved in 2006.
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 related examples see: Denver Art Museum, no. 1948.144; Morning Star Gallery, cat. vol. 3, p. 33; American Museum of Natural History, cat. no 50-3100. For a discussion of these rare beaded robes see Conn, 1979, p. 143: "As we have already seen in the case of rawhide painting, it was not considered proper for Plains women to paint anything but geometric figures. The "box-and-border" design ...meant to be worn only by women, is one of several commonly used patterns...To my knowledge, only one other existing example is beaded rather painted - an inventive variation of a well-established garment type."