Historic beadwork, pottery and textiles were the stars of Hindman’s September 17 Native American Art Auction that realized more than $1 million. The sale, which had a solid 93 percent sell-through rate, had competitive bidding that pushed many items over their presale estimates. Artwork coming from three collections—the Collection of Michelle Smith, Washington, D.C.; the Mark and Linda Miller Collection; and the Collection of Bruce and Claire Montgomerie—were among the favorites.
Cheyenne beaded hide possible bags, matched pair, fourth quarter 19th century. Estimate: $10/15,000 SOLD: $31,250The highest earner of the day was a matched pair of Cheyenne beaded possible bags that came to the market from the Miller Collection. The bags, which more than tripled the low presale estimate when they sold for $31,250, had been on view at the Heard Museum in Phoenix as part of 2017 exhibition Beauty Speaks for Us.
“We are absolutely thrilled to see the enthusiasm of the collecting community toward the sale,” says Danica Farnand, director of Native American art at Hindman. “A particularly exciting lot, and a favorite of mine, were the Cheyenne possible bags. They are in near perfect condition and the color palette used is stunning.”
Arapaho drawing from the Vincent Price ledger book, 1875-85, colored pencil on lined paper. Estimate: $10/15,000 SOLD: $25,000
Also from the Miller Collection was the second highest achieving lot, an Arapaho drawing from the Vincent Price ledger book. The drawing, depicting a warrior on horseback with a lance charging at a U.S. soldier, outperformed its estimate of $10,000 to $15,000 when it landed at $25,000.
Ute beaded mountain lion hide bow case and quiver, fourth quarter 19th century. Estimate: $20/25,000 SOLD: $22,500
The jewelry collection of Michelle Smith was highlighted by a Navajo first phase silver and turquoise concha belt that measured 45 inches in length. The item exceeded expectation when it achieved $22,500 against an estimate of $8,000 to $10,000. Other standouts were a Navajo silver and turquoise cuff bracelet from the early 20th century that soared past its $800 to $1,200 estimate when it sold for $10,000; a Navajo silver and turquoise concha belt from the second quarter of the 20th century with eight stamped silver conchas with scalloped edges (est. $1/2,000) at $5,000; and an early-20th-century Navajo silver naja necklace that sold for $4,063.
Navajo late classic Moki pattern rug, fourth quarter 19th century, handspun Merino wool in cream, dark brown, indigo and red raveled American flannel, 71 x 55" Estimate: $14/18,000 SOLD: $20,000
Among the top lots from the Montgomerie collection was a Navajo late classic Moki pattern rug that was woven of handspun Merino wool in cream, dark brown, indigo and red raveled American flannel. It features a stepped diamond pattern against a banded ground. The rug outpaced its presale estimate of $14,000 to $18,000 when it sold for $20,000. Also notable was a Zia polychrome pottery olla with birds (est. $6/8,000) that brought in $13,750.
Item | Low/High | Sold
Cheyenne beaded hide possible bags, matched pair | $10/15,000 | $31,250
Arapaho drawing from Vincent Price ledger book | $10/15,000 | $25,000
Ute beaded mountain lion hide bow case and quiver | $20/25,000 | $22,500
Navajo first phase silver and turquoise concha belt | $8/10,000 | $22,500
Navajo late classic Moki pattern rug | $14/18,000 | $20,000
Zia polychrome pottery olla with birds | $6/8,000 | $13,750
Anishinaabe birchbark canoe, full size | $1/1,500 | $12,500
Apsáalooke (Crow) beaded hide rifle scabbard | $8/10,000 | $12,500
Navajo late century classic blanket/rug | $8/10,000 | $11,875
Navajo late classic rug | $6/8,000 | $11,250
Powered by Froala Editor
