A collection of more than 500 works of historic Native American art, amassed by collector Roy H. Robinson, reached a total of $4,360,080 during Bonhams’ From the Great Lakes to the Rio Grande: The Collection of Roy H. Robinson sale. The auction brought in 93 percent sold by lot and 100 percent sold by value.
A complete Fort Marion drawing book, dated July 31, 1876, illustrated by Bear’s Heart (Nockkoist, Tsis tsis’tas [Cheyenne], 1851-1882) and Ohet-Toint (Ohettoint / High Forehead; Kiowa, ca. 1848-1934/35) Estimate: $80/120,000 SOLD: $353,175
“The success of the Roy H. Robinson Collection can, in large part, be attributed to the material having been collected during a short period of time at the beginning of the 20th century and then remaining off the market for nearly 100 years, thereby acquiring the status of a legendary lost collection,” notes Bonhams Native American art director Ingmars Lindbergs. “While the high prices of the top lots are noteworthy, it was the overall performance of the sale that showed how eager the market is for historic Native American material, particularly when associated with a notable collection.”
A Lakota Sioux fully beaded woman’s dress Estimate: $80/120,000 SOLD: $214,575
A complete Fort Marion drawing book, illustrated by Bear’s Heart (Nockkoist, Tsis tsis’tas [Cheyenne], 1851-1882) Estimate: $80/120,000 SOLD: $277,575
One of the top lots in the October sale was a Lakota fully beaded dress, which sold for $214,575 against a presale estimate of $80,000 to $120,000. “Illustrated in Norman Feder’s American Indian Art book, arguably a seminal work when first published in 1965, it would seem that Robinson was unaware that this dress was the same one seen in several period photos of the 1880s, worn by Jenny Yellow Elk Woman and her daughter Jenny Nelson when touring with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show,” Lindbergs adds.
A Diné (Navajo) Classic child’s serape Estimate: $40/60,000 SOLD: $176,775
Four Fort Marion drawing books were especially desirable items as well. Lindbergs attributes this to the rarity and condition of the items, which were formerly owned by Bishop Henry Whipple. Two of these drawing books secured their place as the top two lots of the sale, selling for $353,175 and $277,575 (est. $80/120,000 each).
Top Ten Sales
Bonhams, From the Great Lakes to the Rio Grande: The Collection of Roy H. Robinson, October 26-27, 2022 (including buyer’s premiums)
Lot • Low/High Est. • Sold
1. A complete Fort Marion drawing book, dated July 31, 1876… • $80/120,000 • $353,175
2. A complete Fort Marion drawing book, illustrated by Bear’s Heart… • $80/120,000 • $277,575
3. A Lakota (Sioux) fully beaded woman’s dress • $80/120,000 • $214,575
4. A Diné (Navajo) Classic child’s serape • $40/60,000 • $176,775
5. “A Kiowa Indians history of his imprisonment” (Fort Marion drawing book)... • $80/120,000 • $138,975
6. A complete Fort Marion drawing book, illustrated by Ohet-Toint… • $80/120,000 • $138,975
7. A Diné (Navajo) Classic serape • $30/50,000 • $113,775
8. A Comanche beaded cradle • $30/50,000 • $94,875
9. A Diné (Navajo) Classic third phase chief’s blanket • $25/35,000 • $88,575
10. A Lakota (Sioux) wooden bowl • $3/5,000 • $48,255
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