The lot features a unique split Buffalo horn headdress bonnet with beadwork attributed to the Northern Cheyenne Native American Indians of Wyoming from the ex-collection of Ted and Lilly Jarvis and Dale Harrison. George Catlin (1796-1872) an American painter, author, traveler and one of the first known American Indian scholars referred to Split-horn Bonnets as being “worn only by the bravest of the brave; by the most extraordinary men in the nation." The piece shows a Great American Bison Buffalo horn which was split end to end, then a third of the horn was shaved thin and given an angular pattern with median ridge and attached to the cap. The horns would fall back or forward as the wearer moved his head, “giving a vast deal of expression and force of character, to the appearance of the Chief who is wearing them” (Catlin). The piece shows a split Buffalo Bison horn being cut end to end, then the maker beveled the horn with a cut of a third of it. The horns naturally fall back or forward when worn which is referred to as “giving a vast deal of expression and force of character, to the appearance of the Chief who is wearing them." Ribbons and horsehair attached to the horn tips intensified the effect. According to Catlin, such headdresses were worn only for the visits of other Chiefs, at celebrations of a war victory, at public festivals, or on war parties where they served as a "symbol of power." This example is comprised of Indian brain-tanned Buffalo hide cap with split and polished Buffalo Bison horns having old dyed red horse tail hair, beads, old hawk bells and strips of fringed hide. There are old black rooster feathers affixed to the top back side and beaded rosettes on the left and right front sides with black feathers, strips of hide and old trade clothe. There is a colorful beaded brown band or panel on the front in typical geometric Cheyenne fashion in colors of light greasy blue and chalk white using early 19th century glass pony trade beads. The piece has a 50 inch long Buffalo hide and stroud clothe beaded trailer tail attached to the back and a chine tie strap attached. The headdress / head dress / war bonnet has the pattern and stylings as well as collection to be a circa 1880 example, with he collector finding it of that age as well, with the exact age and origin of the piece being unknown or undetermined, please example the piece for your own representation. Provenance: From the ex-collection of Ted and Lilly Jarvis of Wyoming and Dale Harrison of Cincinnati, Ohio. Stand not included.