This is an outstanding circa 1870 Sioux beaded buffalo hide saddle blanket. This is a unique example in that the entire body of the saddle blanket is comprised of Indian tanned Buffalo / Bison hide, even across the center section (typically these examples show trade canvas at the center making this a rare example). The entire border and four large strip sections on each corner are covered in classic Sioux geometric beadwork. The beadwork is all sinew sewn and period correct 19th-century examples showing a background of chalk white with cross, tab or box and triangle tipi like patterns in red white hearts, cobalt, greasy yellow, and greasy green. The tab strips that extend past the body are further decorated with Indian tanned buckskin hide with a yellow ocher / ochre mineral pigment painted finish. This stunning piece is very similar to the Robert Jerich example and is truly a stunning piece, with a rare full buffalo hide construction. Provenance: From a prominent private collection in Wisconsin who collected from Bruce and Illene Johnson of Mystic Warriors, John Baldwin, Bob Coronato, Heritage Auctions, Cowan’s amongst others. The piece is well kept with thick hide which is well kept being stiff but moveable with very little bead loss which exposes the sinew threads, an early beadwork feature. Has a wonderful original patina and displays beautifully. Measures overall 88-inches long by 24-inches wide.