This is an exceptional authentic Lakota Sioux Native American Indian fully cape beaded dress dating to circa 1890-1900. The dress shows a fine Great American Bison Buffalo Indian tanned hide construction that is sinew and trade thread sewn showing a fully beaded shoulder cape. The dress is accented with a lower beaded trim and excellent long hand cut Indian tanned hide fringe along the bottom, sides and arms. The top of the dross shows the expertly fully beaded cape that is in all period correct glass trade seed beads having a linear geometric pattern. The beadwork features a sky padre blue background with red and faceted black stripes having three crosses at the neck. The bottom edge of the beaded cape shows a nine inch long fringe that is accented with light blue, cobalt and red pony wound glass trade beads and Rocky Mountain Elk Ivory teeth. The dress shows a total of 98 Elk Ivory polished and carved teeth (this would have been the wife of a prominent hunter or Chief as this many ivory teeth would have taken years to acquire and would represent approximately 49 Elk kills, a very impressive feat). The dress shows the original hide tie straps at the back of the "v" opening for the neck and the neck has a fine worn patina from age and use. The dress has been very well preserved and displays wonderfully. Provenance: From a large Native American weapons and beadwork collection in Great Falls, Montana. The dress measures overall 58"L x 54"W. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.