This is an outstanding Lakota Ihoka Sioux Badger Society mirror sash or collar from the 19th Century. The Iho’ka or Badger Society was one of the Aki’cita eligible societies. Aki’cita (or Akicita) has been often translated as “soldier” or “warrior” but its more accurate implied meaning is more appropriately as “guard” or “police”. These Aki’cita Societies would act as “guards” and watch over the tribe when the tribe moved from one place to another and keep watch for enemy activity when a camp was chosen. Aki’cita also acted as “civil police” to preserve order in the camp and had the right to punish offenders of tribal codes or conduct. Warriors chosen to serve as Aki’cita also had the responsibility to maintain strict control during a Buffalo hunt. The Iho’ka (Ihoka) Badger Society were considered amongst the most extreme warriors of the Aki’cita. They were said to have been started by a man who dreamed of a badger. They often took great risks against seemingly insurmountable odds, emulating the great tenacity found in the behavior of a badger, who would not think twice about going nose to nose with a bear ten times its own size and winning the fight. Among the notable insignia of this society are the society’s crooked lances wrapped in wolf skin, quirts with one serrated edge and otter fur wrist loops along with otter skin yokes which were later adorned with trade mirrors to blind their enemies. This example, unlike the other two from the same collection as this piece, shows a wolf Indian tanned and fur on hide construction with rich grey, white and black coloring showing a total of 12 round early old tin and glass trade mirrors each having red dyed plume feathers and old pink / red and blue trade ribbons. Each mirror has a nice rusty patina and worn glass. The back of the piece shows several later repairs using trade thread and the bottom edge shows blue stroud trade clothe. A cut has been originally made at the top for purpose of wearing as a collar, breast plate or sash. The piece is in very well preserved condition and dates to the 1800’s. Provenance: From the Historical Native American Artifacts and Weapons private museum collection in Paris, France. The piece measures 32” long and approximately 17" wide.