Dick S. Ramsay Fund

Bequest of W.S. Morton Mead

Probably Sioux. A staff that has holes for a strap. Possibly is a Warrior's Society dance staff and needs more research as if so, they are very special. See also 50.67.94.

This headdress is constructed on a base of red Stroud cloth, formed into a band and decorated with beadwork in a series of "filled triangles." Blue triangular outlines filled with white beads alternate with white outlines filled with blue. A line of white beads is also attached at the lower edge of the red band. Horsehair that has been dyed red is inserted on the top of the band and a ribbon, once green, is tied on at both ends for fastening. An ear lock of horse hair is tied with sinew onto hide thong and a fine crewel yarn cord is hand plaited at the edge where the horsehair is attached.

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Fenwick B. Small

Brooklyn Museum Collection

This would have fit onto something but would not function as a club. Looks rather modern in style as a fetish and resembles a buffalo in the face or possibly a carving of a cicada. Made of soapstone; threading rings sometimes indicate a medicine use. 'Lightening' streaks coming out of mouth. Stone carving is very rare for Plains, but Mississippi tribes are very interested in stone as a media. For Lakota, rebirth and animals in larvae stage were sacred. Exact purpose of this piece and in fact exactly what it represents is unknown.

The model canoe is carved from a solid piece of cedar. The canoe (a) is decorated with red paint around the upper edge and has a small hole in each end. The inscription on the canoe reads, "Model of a Sioux canoe and paddles." The inscription on the paddle reads “Model of Sioux canoe paddle." The paddle (b) is made from soft wood and decorated with red paint. It has a flat circular handle.

This type of rattle could be made by any Northern Plains tribe. Probably ceremonial and may be medicine society (?).Coindition poor.

Modern feather bonnet made over a felt hat base. It's construction seems to be very poorly made so it was possibly made just for sale.