An exceptional Sioux wicasas beaded and quilled hide shirt, valued at $150,000-200,000, will headline Skinner's sale of American Indian and Ethnographic Art in Boston on November 9.
 The wicasas shirt features small bundles of human hair, wrapped in porcupine quills and dyed |
The shirt, which dates to the late 19th century, was worn as a ceremonial garb by wicasas - male tribe members who were considered especially deserving of the respect and esteem of other members.
They were presented to men who had lived honest, noble and brave lives - and indicated to all their elevated status.
The shirt is constructed from antelope skin and features detailed porcupine quillwork, along with impressive beading.
A northwest coast chilkat blanket, woven of mountain goat wool and cedar bark circa the 19th century, could make $40,000-60,000.
 Chilkat blankets have long fringes that move when the wearer dances |
Chilkat weaving is predominantly practised by the indigenous peoples of the northwest coast of Alaska and British Columbia. One of the world's most complex forms of weaving, a single blanket can take up to a year to make.
The complex formline patterns that are the hallmark of the blankets indicate tribal affiliations or depict legendary or mythical figures.
In 2006, a chilkat blanket in the diving whale pattern sold for $47,500 against a $30,000-40,000 estimate at John Moran in Alameda, California - up 18% on its high estimate.
A Navajo third phase man's wearing blanket, featuring the characteristic stripes and diamonds, could make $30,000-40,000.
Last year, a Navajo first phase chief's blanket sold for $1.8m at John Moran - a new world record for a Navajo blanket.
We have this genuine strand of hair from the head of famed Native American chief, Geronimo.
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