Lot 94

Extraordinary Crow Beaded Full-Sized Cradle Board

Estimate: $12,000 - $15,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Presented here is an extraordinary rare older artifact—a remarkably rare early full sized Crow beaded cradle board of significant historical and artistic value. Distinguished by its full-size proportions, this cradle board transcends the commonly encountered 1/3 or doll-sized counterparts crafted for the tourist trade during that era. Of an earlier age, this masterpiece of American Indian art showcases a tear-drop shaped wooden plank adorned with Indian brain-tanned hide meticulously beaded in the characteristic pastel colors and designs typical of other 19th-century Crow culture examples. Measuring an impressive 46 inches in height and 16 1/2 inches in width, the cradle board boasts intricate cross motifs and diamond shapes, reflecting the artistic finesse of its time. Adorned with old red stroud cloth and cascading strips of twisted buckskin lacing, it is a testament to the craftsmanship and cultural significance embedded within. The sinew and thread sewing technique further attests to the artisan's early age. This example boasts all early period glass trade seed / cen beads in traditional Crow pastel coloring including Cheyenne pink, greasy yellow, sky padre light blue, semi-transparent red, chalk white, and black. Exceptionally well-preserved, this baby carrier exhibits no signs of tears, repairs, or bead loss. It hails from the esteemed collection of Ted Levy in Santa Rosa, California, adding a distinguished provenance to its already remarkable beauty. To underscore its rarity and value, a similar large Crow cradle board, featuring more intricate beaded tie straps, achieved a noteworthy sale price of $137,500 at a Heritage Galleries auction in May of 2015—an indicator of the esteem in which such pieces are held within the art market. Provenance: Ted Levy Santa Rosa, California ex-collection. Measures 46-inches long by 16-1/2 inches wide. Good condition. (A digital picture of the 2015 Heritage piece is shown for examples sake in the photo gallery).

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