Sioux Beaded Buffalo Hide Pictorial Vest, American Flags and Warriors
fourth quarter 19th century
thread and sinew-sewn; beaded in greasy green, red white-heart, royal blue, and greasy yellow on a white ground. The front shows two warriors wearing long trailing feather bonnets and holding American flags, while the reverse depicts two mounted warriors with two additional flags. Remnants of ribbon remain, and fringe lines the arm openings.

length 18-1/2 inches x chest width 31 inches

Included is a handwritten note of collection history and provenance:

This fully beaded vest was found in an old trunk which had belonged to Susan McKnight. Mrs. McKnight came to Nebraska from Tennessee. She & her husband homesteaded near Niobrara, Nebraska. They later moved to Sioux City where they operated a trading post and ferry service.

The vest was identified as the ceremonial vest of Chief War Eagle’s son by War Eagle’s great granddaughter, Mrs. John Rock Boy of Yankton, S.D. Her interpretation of the design indicated the two chiefs as War Eagle and his son holding flags to show that they were honoring a treaty. The blue border on the back represents a fence showing that the chiefs were going to a reservation.

There is a monument to Chief War Eagle at his burial site near Sioux City, Nebraska.

The vest was purchased from the great grandson of Susan McKnight, who lives in Sioux City, Iowa, in March 1980.

Harry M. Egdort
This lot is located in Chicago.

Collected by Susan McKnight, Nebraska; ex Jeremy Harry Egdort, Sioux City, Iowa; ex Dr. William Hinrichs (1981)

Good overall condition - hide is soft and pliable; fringe is a little on the dry side, but still pliable