Crow Dentalium Shell Beaded Dress Cape c. 1900-

Crow Dentalium Shell Beaded Dress Cape c. 1900-
This is an exceptional and historic Crow Native American Indian full wampum Dentalium shell beaded dress cape dating to circa early 1900- from Max Big Man. Max Big Man, a Crow Absorkee Apsaalooka American Indian, was a prominent member of the Crow and owned these two pieces. The piece shows a pink trade calico clothe front with white clothe backing showing three rows of Dentalium shells having smaller rows of round disk and sky padre blue seed beads in between. The piece would have been worn at the shoulders as a cape. The cape also shows a fancy edge of dangling dentalium shells holding cowrie shells at the bottom, being mostly intact with some missing. The cape is quite impressive and rare with Dentalium shells being considered number one wampum and the finest adornment for a woman’s dress. Provenance: From one of the most prominent American Indian collections in Billings, Montana. The cape is in very good condition and shows only slight shell loss with all the shells present being early examples with excellent coloring. Overall the piece measures 31”W by 17”D and is approximately 48”L across the bottom edge by 10”W from inside edge to bottom of fringe.Condition: For a complete representation of condition please review pictures. Some items may have additional images, if so please visit our website directly. It is the buyer's responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.