Pair Of Luxury Beaded Loafers

Great Plains (probably Lakota or Cheyenne), circa 1890–1900
A rare and elegant pair of prestigious deerskin moccasins, entirely handcrafted by a Great Plains artisan in the late 19th century.

The upper, made of cotton canvas applied to the hide, is adorned with sumptuous embroidery of Venetian glass beads forming a floral design of remarkable finesse. The flowers, composed of translucent white beads, bloom among amber leaves, red buds, and turquoise petals, in a deliberately limited color palette that lends the ensemble perfect harmony.

The arrangement of the design reveals true artistic mastery. Each motif is balanced with great precision, with volume subtly suggested by the interplay of colors and transparencies. This aesthetic vision transcends mere ornamentation and places this pair among the most refined works of Great Plains bead art.

The wide collars are lined with black velvet, accented with a white beaded braid, and finished with red silk ribbons that provide a particularly elegant contrast. The edges of the uppers are also entirely outlined with beads, further accentuating the quality of the craftsmanship.

The soles, cut from a single piece of leather, show even signs of age, attesting to genuine use while retaining remarkable integrity. The pair remains in excellent condition, with only a few very slight losses of beads consistent with its age.

Through the sophistication of its design, the exceptional quality of its craftsmanship, and the balance of its composition, this pair evokes, to the contemporary eye, the spirit of the finest haute couture creations. Long before beaded embroidery became a symbol of Western luxury, the craftswomen of the Great Plains had developed a decorative language of remarkable modernity, in which each bead contributes to a true work of art.

This pair stands as a remarkable testament to the sartorial elegance of the Great Plains peoples in the late 19th century and would naturally find its place in a leading collection dedicated to Native American art.

Condition

Very good condition, slight signs of wear, a few tiny missing beads that do not affect the overall appearance.

Price

3,500 €

Note

There is no firmly established market value for this type of very high-quality moccasin. Comparable items are rare, and public auctions are few and far between. Given this rarity, it is advisable not to passively follow the few available references, but rather to set an ambitious price and encourage collectors to get in touch. A discussion with a knowledgeable collector often helps highlight the exceptional quality of the item and leads to an agreement satisfactory to both parties.