Although these well-preserved and obviously used beaded arm bands (TEH.F1.2) were attached with insoluble glue to a decorative frame by the late Chester Howard, they suffered no damage when removed. A great example of the type with strong, colorful geometric designs, the sinew sewn matched pair is attributed to the Sioux and date to the early 20th century. The untied bands measure about 11 ½” in length by 2 ¼” in width. The pair comes with a small display card, a biographical write-up about Howa ...click for details
This earlier 20th century beaded circular bag (TEH.F9.4) is from the collection of the late Chester Howard. Measuring just a bit more than 4 ¼” from top to bottom, round bags of this style were called medallion pouches for the early Indian Peace Medals they were designed to hold. The beadwork is in overall good condition, but the leather itself is rather stiff and has a small tear and hole on its lower backside. It also has some spots of light discoloration on the back where Howard applied glue ...click for details
This large and colorful beaded bag (TEH.F6.2) is from the Yakima tribe of Washington. Measuring 10” x 12” in size (not counting fringes or thong handles), the Plateau bag dates into the mid-20th century and was once glued into a decorative frame by its owner, the late Chester Howard. In overall very good condition with a bold floral design on a deep yellow field near which two butterflies pose to alight, there are a few light stains on the beadwork. The supple hide back of the bag has some mildl ...click for details
This brightly beaded 26 ½” x 4 ¼” floral strip or belt (TEH.F9.2) is from the estate of the late Chester Howard. Previously glued into a decorative frame with insoluble glue, the strip was noted by Howard to have been acquired in Montana and was either Crow or Northern Cheyenne in origin. Dating into the mid-20th century and in overall good condition with just 18 or so white seed beads missing along one row, the backing is a black cloth with print design illustrating blond-headed children at pla ...click for details
Measuring 21 ½” x 3 ½”, this attractive mid-20th century beaded strip (TEH.F9.1) with floral design was acquired by the late Chester Howard in Montana. Previously mounted in a decorative frame, Howard noted that the flexible strip, called a belt by Howard, was either Crow of Northern Cheyenne. In overall very good condition with only a half-dozen baby blue beads missing at the end of one row, and a few small patches of rusty stain, the paper sewn on the back of the strip has torn away in five or ...click for details
In spite of heavy wear on the soles of these early 20th century beaded moccasins (TEH.F8.2), the bold geometric beadwork has stood up quite well. From the collection of the late Chester Howard, the mocs were noted on the frame to which Howard had glued them as possibly Sioux. The adult moccasins measure 10” in length. Originally sinew sewn, the front half of each of the worn soles have been covered with hide that is held in place with heavy cotton thread. The moccasin leather is quite stiff and ...click for details
This beaded black felt bag (TEH.F3.2) measures 7 ¼” in length and 5 ¼” in width. In overall good, worn condition, the interior of the bag below the drawstring is lined with canvas. Once glued to a decorative frame by the late Chester Howard, the bag was easily removed with acetone. Noted by Howard to be Chippewa in origin, the floral beadwork points to an early 20th century style incorporating a fair number of faceted metal seed beads. There is some bead loss along the trim at the top of the bag ...click for details
This spectacular hand-carved 17” long ‘ceremonial club’ (KJH87) was purchased by Ken Hladek in March 2003 (as he recalls, it was an estate sale and the item number was 0962..."INDIAN TRADE WAR CLUB - LUKA) at a Lolli Brothers auction in Macon, Missouri. The only information that came with this lethal-looking weapon was a note that it was from the William R. Gauld collection of Elmo, Montana, a town located well within the boundaries of the Flathead Indian reservation. Many other items offer ...click for details
Missing just a few beads in its broad field, this colorful Nez Perce bag (TEH.F6.1), dating into the earlier 20th century, is in overall good condition. Removed from a decorative frame where it had been mounted with glue by its late owner, Chester Howard, the hide on the back of the 5 ½” x 6 ½” bag is resultantly spotted and marked with a few patches of residual glue. One of the thin leather carrying straps has parted, and the straps are stiff from having been glued to the frame. This nicely dec ...click for details
This nicely decorated 5” x 6 ½” beaded bag (TEH.F31.1) is from the Chester Howard collection. The flexible hide, soiled but in overall good condition, has some residual traces of glue that was used by Howard to attach the bag to a decorative frame. There are a few loops of beads missing along one edge at the top of the bag, a few missing along one side just below the drawstring, and a small patch of glue on the inside at the top of the bag where a daub had been applied by Howard to keep the bag ...click for details
