Antique Circa 1900 Nez Perce Green Velvet Wing Dress Beaded With Cowrie Shells

Description

We are offering a
circa 1900 Nez Perce green velvet wing dress. These examples are called wing dresses because the shoulders and open cape-like sleeves resemble the wings of a bird. Wing dresses became popular with the arrival of manufactured fabric through the trade system, which was lighter, more colorful and easier to work with than animal skins. The shells were another popular trade item that came from the pacific north coast.
This dress is made from dark green velvet with red ribbon fabric trim on the neckline. The yoke is adorned front and back with with glass trade beads and shells sewn on. This example is in excellent condition with loss of a couple of shells, no visible bead loss. The fabric is intact with no holes, at some point in time the garment was enlarged on the sides with with matching fabric. Dress measures 49" long x 40 1/2" wide at the hem x 46" wide at the shoulders. Please study the photos as they are part of the description
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Offered here fresh out of a local collector's estate for the first time. Payment in full is expected within 48 hours after item closes.  Free local pick up in Santa Fe.  Shipping cost includes signature confirmation.  I pack and ship on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  No returns unless item is grossly misrepresented. Shipping cost is to lower 48 states only.
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