January 26, 2024 Brian Lebel's Old West Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2024
Rare, engraved and scalloped 1960 sterling silver Indian Pow Wow buckle measuring 1 7/8” x 3”, mounted with a $10 Indian Head gold piece in addition to other gold mountings, including a raised banner with the Pow Wow date and inscription, plus a peace pipe, and four gold nuggets. Very fine condition.
Published/Pictured: Michael Friedman’s "Cowboy Culture, The Last Frontier of American Antiques", 1992, Pg 264
Provenance: High Noon Collection, Los Angeles, California
The Shoshone Pow Wow was an event celebrating Native American history cultural empowerment and self-determination. The event often including Indian relay races, tribal dances, rodeos, art shows, and indigenous children’s games. However, the Shoshone festival was nothing new to Native American groups who for centuries would meet to trade and barter goods while numerous friendly contests between the different tribes emerged from these get-togethers. Indian Tribes loved to compete as a way for each nation to represent its people and culture. However, there was a time when Native Americans were not allowed to hold pow wows, particularly after they were forced onto reservations. The tradition in the Shoshone Tribe fell by the wayside for many decades until it was revived in the 1950s. Out of all the events held over the duration of the festival, few provided a more visually exciting glimpse into Native American culture than the pow wow with many its dancers wearing elaborate headdresses, while others were covered from head-to-toe in brightly colored feather bustles.
Item Dimensions: 1 - 7/8" x 3".