The lot features an exceptional stretched Indian hide polychrome painted war shield from the Sioux Native American Indians and dating to circa 1860-1880’s. The shield shows a wetted and stretched parfleche Indian Buffalo hide over a bent wood hoop sewn with parfleche sinew having two harness saddlery trade leather handles. The entire surface of the shield is polychrome painted with mineral pigment ocher dyes of green, red, and black. The front of the shield shows five drops including Indian tanned hide fringe, red trade clothe wrapped human or horse mane hair and near the center a drop which previously contained three American Golden Eagle Feathers. The eagle feathers were photographed as shown but have since been removed per US law. The addition of the eagle feathers is truly a testament to its authentic early age. The front of the shield shows a pinwheel like design with seven sections leading towards the center which shows a cross or connection of red paint. The piece exhibits exceptional patina and wear with a mellow overall appearance. Provenance: From the estate of a 90-year-old Navajo Native American Indian who married a Plains Indian woman. The piece was inherited by his grandson Steven Tsosie and sold to the current owner. The piece was said to be in the collection from the 1950’s when the piece was inherited from the previous family members. This is truly a fantastic original shield showing wonderful patina and the original polychrome traditional geometric paint. The shield measures overall 21”x20.5”. This is truly an excellent authentic Indian Wars Era Sioux War Shield. 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.