Scheduled for the auction block on April 11, are 150 lots of Native American textiles, jewelry, basketry, beadwork, paintings and sculpture from throughout the North American continent. Among the many items in the Freeman’s | Hindman Native American Art sale are auction highlights stemming from Peter Schramm’s renowned collection.

“Schramm has been a lifelong collector of Native American art, with an eye towards bold colors and fine craftsmanship,” says Danica Farnand, auction vice president and head of department. “Highlights of the collection include early Apsáalooke blanket strips, an Apsáalooke boy’s shirt, finely woven Chilcotin baskets and fine examples of pueblo pottery.”

Pueblo Pottery from the collection of Peter Schramm: Zuni Olla Estimate: $4/6,000; Acoma Four-Color Olla Estimate: $3/5,000; Acoma Four-Color Olla Estimate: $5/7,000

 

Farnand adds that sale items span several centuries and cover the North American continent. “I think this particular selection proves that the use of color and form transcends time,” she says.  “All these [items] are living objects, and I hope this auction shows the evolution and continued growth of Native American Art in various mediums.”

Farnand also comments that having an auction dedicated solely to Native American art is a cause for celebration. “It is an honor to work with and handle Native objects from across the centuries, and it is a privilege to offer them to the public in a curated form,” she notes.

Apsáalooke Child’s Beaded Wool Shirt, ca. 1900. From the Collection of Peter Schramm. Estimate: $10/15000

 

The pottery highlights, from the Schramm collection, contain a gorgeous Zuni olla estimated between $4,000 and $6,000, as well as two impressive Acoma four-color ollas with estimates between $3,000 and $7,000. As for the Apsáalooke child’s beaded wool shirt (est. $10/15,000), we see one of the highest estimated items from the Schramm collection. Farnand shares, “This darling shirt is a statement of color with a red trade-wool body and boldly beaded strips with blocks of blue, yellow and pink. The tan hide fringe accentuates the form.”

For the same estimate, from the Schramm collection, we also find a matched pair of Cheyenne beaded hide possible bags, also illustrating bold use of color, where red and yellow beaded rectangles pop against rows of blue. 

Unique to the sale, are the rare, late-19th century Apache playing cards (est. $6/8,000). With just the right amount of wear, the deck of cards has an air of mystique and allure as to the history and hands they came in contact with.  

Cheyenne Beaded Hide Possible Bags, Matched Pair, fourth quarter 19th century. From the Collection of Peter Schramm. Estimate: $10/15,000

 

Apache Playing Cards, Monte Deck, late 19th century Estimate: $6/8,000

 

This comprehensive, premier auction of Native American art will also offer selections from the Great Lakes to California, from the Southern Plains to the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the historic works, the sale will include classic and iconic artists such as Patrociño Barela, Maria Martinez, Al Qöyawayma and Otellie Loloma.  

When it comes to purchasing at the sale, Farnand shares that she’s an advocate for buying what makes you happy and what you want to surround yourself with. “Spend the money and buy that one ‘rock star’ piece, versus five ‘OK’ pieces—you will be happier,” she says. “Whether it is a painting by a contemporary artist or a historic piece of pueblo pottery, well-crafted, unique pieces still are rising to the top of the market.”

The sale for Native American Art opens April 11 at Freeman’s | Hindman Cincinnati show room, as well as online and by phone. —

April 11, 2025
Native American Art
Freeman’s | Hindman 5030 Oaklawn Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45227
(513) 871-1670, www.hindmanauctions.com

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