Blackfoot (piikáni / Siksika) Knife With Its Beaded Sheath

Northern Plains, circa 1860–1880

A rare and remarkable set consisting of a Dag Knife preserved with its original bison-hide sheath, entirely adorned with antique glass beads.

The double-edged wrought-iron blade, featuring a pronounced central ridge, displays a uniform antique patina attesting to authentic use. Its elegant and balanced silhouette is perfectly in harmony with the sheath, whose proportions naturally match those of the blade—a characteristic sought after in sets that have remained intact.

The handle, crafted from bison bone, follows the traditional form of large Blackfoot knives. The original brass rivets have been preserved. The set offers remarkable aesthetic and technical coherence.

The sheath is made of tanned bison hide, fully edged and decorated with milking glass beads. The geometric design, composed of hourglass motifs characteristic of Blackfoot art, is executed with great regularity. The colors, dominated by white, light blue, and brown, remain particularly vivid. The beaded border is preserved along its entire length.

This type of weapon was as much an object of prestige as it was a utilitarian tool. The finest examples are now held in major North American collections and rank among the Native American weapons most sought after by collectors.

Results from major international auctions illustrate this growing interest: several comparable sets have fetched nearly $30,000 at Heritage Auctions, while examples with exceptional historical provenance—such as the famous knife attributed to Chief Crowfoot—have far exceeded that figure.

Beyond its excellent condition, this set stands out for the harmony between the knife and its sheath, the quality of its craftsmanship, and its remarkable balance of proportions—all essential criteria in the appreciation of this type of Plains weapon.

Knife length: 33 cm

Length with sheath: 45 cm

Price: €24,500

Combining authenticity, quality of craftsmanship, excellent condition, an original sheath, and documented provenance, this set stands as a remarkable testament to the artistry of the Great Plains peoples. Complete Blackfoot knives of this caliber are now very rarely seen on the international market and are among the most sought-after items of 19th-century Native American weaponry.