Posted 8 years ago
CuriouslyC…
(1 item)
I don't know much about this stuff. It belonged to my great grandmother. I think it might be from the 1930s. My father says it's Native American ceremonial clothing. It's probably imitation, but possibly made by Native Americans. There aren't any tags or anything. It's heavy stuff. There's a lot of beadwork. Anyone know anything about this stuff? I'd like to know more about it and where it could be from. We're from PA by the way, so that's probably where it was purchased and possibly made.
Beautiful ! We have a person on site that ca help you I believe . It looks like ceremonial clothes I agree .
Should keep my mouth shut since this isn't my field, but I've traveled a lot. I'm leaning toward Central or S. Amer. Indian.
The collection looks like a mixture of northeastern Indian items, based on the style of the beadwork. The moccasins are Iroquois, and it's likely the other items may be as well. The 1920s/1930s sounds about right. By that time, nearly everything made was made for sale, and was aimed at the souvenir and tourist market, as well as costumes made for the theater and staged productions. While the items were made by Native Americans, there was room for individual creativity and borrowing of styles from other tribes.
But I have to admit, I deal almost exclusively in western Indian cultures, this isn't my main area. Plus items like this need to be seen in person. While the photos are helpful to identify a general time frame and region, a closer examination may prove these to be earlier, and more valuable. The things in the first photo are especially impressive.
See if you can't find a regional expert, who specializes in American Indian art from the northeast. You might try finding a museum, or university person who could help, or who could at least recommend someone. Is there an Antiques Roadshow coming to your area this year?
Thanks for the info. I don't believe they're coming around my area. I've never heard of them coming around here before. Also I contacted someone at a local museum, but they haven't gotten back to me.