Available in this lot is a Lakota Sioux Native American Indian tanned hide war shirt, crafted by the famous Cheri Cappello. The war shirt shows tanned elk hide construction, and utilizes a fox pelt shawl, and skull. Additionally, the shirt is adorned with long cut hide fringe, geometric pattern trade seed bead work, and feather drops. The seed and pony beads include greasy yellow, brass toned, chalk white, semi-transparent corn yellow, orange, and semi-transparent crimson. The connection and deep reverence that Cheri feels for our Native people began as a child. Cheri was born and raised on a large cattle and sheep ranch in the Colorado high country. Many hours were spent exploring the ancient encampments and burial grounds on the familyó»s ranch. She collected artifacts and arrowheads while working the ranch. Her respect and kinship grew through the years and were fueled with education and involvement with the Native people. At the same time Cheri learned the art of running trap lines and tanning and preparing skins and furs from her grandfather. Her early years also found her hunting, fishing and living the western ranch lifestyle. This taught her the value of nature, animal life and the bond that runs between man and the land. She learned the importance of balance between these two. It seemed only natural that Cheri would create art that would demonstrate her love for the Native Americans, the land, and a lost way of life. Each one of her pieces is a one-of-a-kind museum quality work. They are historically true to the 1800ó»s circa warshirts, wedding dresses, and childó»s ceremonial works of art. These striking works are created by hand using elk and buckskin. They are painstakingly brought to life with fine beadwork and authentic adornments originally found on period pieces. The result is a powerful statement of our Native American culture. You can find Cherió»s work in public and private collections across the country and in Europe, Africa, and Australia. She is represented by many fine galleries, and has won numerous awards at prestigious national and international shows. Cheri currently owns and operates a ranch in the mountains of Colorado with her husband and children. Cherió»s artwork is her way of honoring and demonstrating her respect for our Native American heritage. Some of her most recent accolades include Peppertree Art Show 2004,2005, 2006, 2007, 2008. 30th Anniversary participant. Santa Ynez, California Women Artists of the West 2003 and 2004 and 2005 International Invitational Show. Artists Choice Award and Mixed Media 1st Place Award. Peopleó»s Choice Manhattan Arts International Award of Excellence. Peopleó»s Choice Award Jackson Hole Fine Arts Festival Featured Horizon Artist 2004, 2005, 2006,2008. Featured artist for Former Texas Ranger Foundation Gala 2005 ,2006, 2007.and 2008. The war shirt measures 63 1/2" wide from the tips of each sleeve, 35 3/4" long from the seam on the back of the neck to the waist, and 21" across the chest, underneath each armpit. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer۪s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.