An absolute classic example of early Kiowa beadwork fashioned from the salvaged leather tongue of a Fort Sill infantryman's boot. These classic pieces from this time period can be seen in the photographic plates done by Wm. Soule at Fort Sill, Oklahoma during the Indian Wars. This is a virtually pristine example from that time period. The flared and heavily tin coned structure are typical of Kiowa work in the 1870's with seemingly hundreds of very fine tine cones suspended from both the flap and the bottom in a double tiered fashion. They still make a lovely sound when shaken. The early five color design is set off by a series of small high domed very thin gauge tested coin silver buttons measuring 1/4" to the central one measuring 5/16". Missing a few beads in the center and side wrapped areas, these are luckily covered by the beautiful and intricate, heavily coned top flap. Both the brain tanned leather and infantry white tanned leather exhibit slight crackling, slight discoloration and fading but remain reasonably supple and free of rot. All beadwork is sinew sewn and the bag is suspended from its original cord. Bag is 4 1/4" x 7" in length. Tin cones are 5/8" long and very thin.
