The lot features a phenomenal, scarce circa 1880 Sioux men’s beaded hide vest with rare Sioux Sundance symbols. The warrior’s vest exhibits Indian tanned hide with old calico trade clothe lining and is sinew sewn with original period 19th-century glass trade seed cen beads including Sioux Sundance symbols on the back. The beadwork includes colors of greasy padre light blue, cobalt, greasy green, amber, chalk white, red white heart, greasy yellow. The vest has a beaded border around the outside, inside edge, shoulders and bottom as well as beaded across the chest and framing the pockets. The beadwork at the pockets show four-point star or cross. The front also has old solid brass and porcelain buttons. The back shows the two Sundance symbols showing a circle with two bars on the top and bottom. Items from the Sundance are incredibly rare and not commonly found. The Sundance was the most important dance by the Plains, especially the Lakota Sioux, where there would be a host, such as Chief Sitting Bull during his Sundance before the Battle of Little Bighorn in circa 1876, and the host would be tied with hooks cut into the skin to a central pole, providing great renewal to the tribe. The Sun Dance or Sundance is also referred to as the Wiwá?ya?g Wacípi by the Lakota, et. Al. Akta Lakota Museum. The original Indian buffalo hide tabs, ties or belt pieces are still attached on the corners of the back and still has a fancy beaded edge. There are several repaired spots or worn through hide spots. The vest is well kept overall for its true Indian Wars era age with some stiffened spots and supple hides. From a fantastic Native American and Western collection in the Pacific Northwest. Vest itself measures 19”W by 19.5”H when laid flat. The shoulders are 15.5”W from outside to outside. The vest is approx. 33” L when the flaps are held open. One of the only beaded Sundance items on the public market, truly amazing.