Five Pairs of Native American Beaded Mocassins
Auction Date: August 16, 2024
Sold for: $492
Lot: 3038
Beaded hide comprising two Sioux pairs, and three additional unidentified pairs.
One Sioux pair with handwritten card claiming they came from the Estate of Chief John Eagle Hawk, son of Chief Joseph Eagle Hawk, son of Chief He Dog who fought at Little Big Horn.
Provenance: From the Bay Area Collection of Eddy Barton.
Condition: Some darkening and aging to hide. Wear to most soles. Three pairs attached with thread. One pair with later threads for hanging.
Eddy Barton (1937-2024) was an expert in Native American basketry, specializing in works from tribes in the western United States. He first became interested in Native American culture growing up photographing petroglyphs and pictographs on hiking trips with his father in California. Graduating from UC Berkeley in the 60s, Eddy spent the next 60 years studying and collecting baskets and other artifacts. He generously shared his knowledge with the public and volunteered as an appraiser for several charities. In 2007, Eddy was honored to be ceremonially adopted by the Lakota Sioux during a celebration of the legacy of Chief Spotted Tails daughter at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. He would take great pleasure in knowing that pieces of his beloved collection are finding new homes with those who appreciate the art and traditions of the Native American people he so admired and respected.