Lot 317
OGLALA LAKOTA CHIEF RED CLOUD'S DEERSKIN JACKET AND LEGGINGS
We are pleased to offer one of the most significant Native American artifacts to come to market in recent history, the ornately-decorated deerskin jacket and leggings owned and worn by Sioux Indian Chief Red Cloud, presented to him in 1897 during his trip leading a delegation to Washington to meet with President William McKinley. Red Cloud (Lakota: Makhpiya Luta), (1822? - December 10, 1909) was a war leader of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) and one of the most capable Native American opponents the U.S. Army ever faced. In 1866-1868 he led the uprising known as Red Cloud's War over control of the Powder River Country in northwestern Wyoming and southern Montana. In the bloodiest battle, the "Fetterman Massacre", an entire detachment of 81 cavalry and infantrymen from Fort Phil Kearney were wiped out by the Lakota. The war ended in 1868, in a victory by the Lakota as the U.S. signed the Treaty of Fort Laramie and agreed to withdraw completely from Lakota territory. A treaty negotiated by fellow Indian Ely Parker led to a temporary peace, but the Lakota rose again, under Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, in the Great Sioux War of 1876-77 to remove white miners from sacred land in the Black Hills. Although Red Cloud rejected a treaty ceding the territory, he remained outside the war choosing instead to agitate for the retention of Indian rights and lands, despite government trickery and deceit. The historic outfit offered by us includes Red Cloud's jacket bearing a "cedar tree" beaded pattern on the collar, cuffs and chests which are also decorated with deerskin fringe. The multi-colored beads include glass pony beads, lined beads and satin glass tile (or tube) beads, some round, some rectangular. Buttons are made of bone, with buttonholes reinforced with hand stitching. A white handkerchief is present in one pocket. The leggings bear beadwork from the knees, down, terminating in a circular pattern, with a fringe extending the full length of the pants on each side. Buttons are again made of bone, with additional buttons present for suspenders. Leather belt loops have been added, only one a recent addition. Both jacket and pants show much use from long ago: very old, crude repairs, stains in the area of armpits, some wear in the back, seat, and elbows, etc., which make the suit appear absolutely contemporary. The outfit bears a complete, documented chain of provenance from the morning of Red Cloud's death, when this suit and Red Cloud's war bonnet came into the possession of David Black Bird who resided at White Horse, South Dakota. Black Bird in turn sold the outfit in 1932 to John Berens of Mobridge, South Dakota, who in turn sold it to Nicholas Jadinak of River Falls, Wisconsin on Nov. 20, 1976. The latter transaction is evidenced by a notarized statement signed by Berens in Mobridge on the date of that transaction. Thirty years later, in 2002, the Jadinak family members contacted Chief Alfred Red Cloud, fifth generation grandson of Chief Red Cloud, and transferred ownership of the suit to him. The suit was then displayed at the Heritage Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. On March 10, 2006 Chief Alfred Red Cloud transferred ownership of the suit to our consignor, after donating the war bonnet to the Native American Educational Trust. A notarized statement from Chief Alfred Red Cloud dated Oct. 23, 2008 which also attests to the provenance of the suit, explicitly noting: "...this outfit is authentic in every respect...". Chief Red Cloud also notarizes a photo of our suit at the time it was on display. Obviously, this is not a garment in the style of the Oglala Lakota, but is more reminiscent of Iroquois garb sold for made for native use and resale, according to expert and authenticator Richard. Pohrt speculated that Red Cloud: "...must have acquired the jacket and pants while visiting in the East. He did make several trips to Washington...This jacket and matching pants would be fine to accept for auction...". There are several photographs of Red Cloud wearing similar garments. According to Chief Alfred Red Cloud, his great-grandfather had two such outfits, and received our example in 1897 during his last trip east; he led a delegation first to Washington to meet McKinley, thence to New York and the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show where Red Cloud was presented this suit. Consigned by one of America's foremost writers on Native American history. Important note: A substantial portion of the proceeds of the sale of this lot will be donated to Cheyenne Children Services, a non-profit organization which supports the health and education of children from low-income families on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, where with 78% unemployment it is unsurprising that 87% of families live below the poverty level. Rural reservation living is tough - the cost of basic necessities is high, there is no infrastructure and only limited services. Two-thirds of people remaining on reservation are minors, and the average life expectancy is only 57 years, below that of a Bangladeshi. C.C.S. founder and director, Mrs. Florence Running Wolf, has been a tireless worker for the cause of Cheyenne children since 1989 through her strong belief that the future of the Cheyenne Nation lies with its children. With three main priorities: a sponsorship program, a library initiative and constant fund-raising to expand Cheyenne Children Service activities, C.C.S. is supported by donations, sponsorship fees and occasional corporate gifts or grants, which is used to support 541 children from the three hundred and twenty-nine families that are enrolled.Cheyenne children can do anything - but they need the tools and the opportunity which is why Alexander Autographs and the seller of this lot, and several other lots in this sale, will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items. If you would like to join the CCS child sponsorship program ($300 per year) or donate any amount to this worthy organization in support of these oft-forgotten children, please contact Florence Running Wolf at (407) 477-8160, or email via www.cheyennechildrenservices.com.
Literature: Important note: A substantial portion of the proceeds of the sale of this lot will be donated to Cheyenne Children Services, a non-profit organization which supports the health and education of children from low-income families on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, where with 78% unemployment it is unsurprising that 87% of families live below the poverty level. Rural reservation living is tough - the cost of basic necessities is high, there is no infrastructure and only limited services. Two-thirds of people remaining on the reservation are minors, and the average life expectancy is only 57 years, below that of a Bangladeshi.
C.C.S. founder and director, Mrs. Florence Running Wolf, has been a tireless worker for the cause of Cheyenne children since 1989 through her strong belief that the future of the Cheyenne Nation lies with its children. With three main priorities: a sponsorship program, a library initiative and constant fund-raising to expand Cheyenne Children Service activities, C.C.S. is supported by donations, sponsorship fees and occasional corporate gifts or grants, which are used to support 541 children from the 329 families that are enrolled.
Cheyenne children can do anything - but they need the tools and the opportunity which is why Alexander Autographs and the seller of this lot (and several other lots in this sale) will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items to Cheyenne Children Services. If you would like to join the C.C.S. child sponsorship program ($300 per year) or donate any amount to this worthy organization in support of these oft-forgotten children, please contact Florence Running Wolf at (407) 477-8160, or email via www.cheyennechildrenservices.com
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| $0 | $99 | $10 |
| $100 | $499 | $20 |
| $500 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 + | $1,000 |