The lot features a beaded hide and trade cloth vest attributed to the Santee Sioux Native American Indians of South Dakota, dating to circa 1890's, and accompanied with letters from the original owner, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center Museum and Allard Auctions. In the first letter, dated 1994, Barbara Herigstad writes to Emma I. Hansen, curator at the Buffalo Bill museum, stating that her mother acquired the vest in the 1920's, either from Pine Ridge or Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Hansen, curator at Buffalo Bill/ Plains Indian Museum, replied later in 1994, stating the piece to be similar to an object in their collection (NA.202.283) and to be of Santee Sioux origin, dating to the turn of the century. Next is a letter from Doug Allard of Allard Auctions in 1999 giving a similar response to Hansen (Santee Sioux 1910-1930) and a value of $2,000 at the time ($2,000 in 1999 is equivalent to over $3,200 in 2021 due to inflation). The Allard letter also shows hand written explanations of terms, which is shown. The piece itself shows an Indian tanned hide construction with all period correct glass trade seed beads in a whimsical floral and symbol laden pattern of many colors, such as greasy yellow, Cheyenne pink, greasy blue, amber, sky blue, and many more. The two sides of the vest are mirrored in pattern, showing two beaded deer or elk surrounded by many patterns with very little bead loss, all appearing to be predominately or completely sinew sewn. The vest has a trade fabric inside lining and red trade cloth piping/edging, which is sewn in trade thread. This is truly a wonderful authentic 19th Century piece showing well preserved condition and nice documentation. The vest measures 21"W by 25"H when lying flat with the flaps closed.