Sioux Hide Shirt, Collected by Parker Barrows Wickham, a Purchaser of Sitting Bull's Cabin

late 19th century

thread-sewn softly tanned hide; short fringe along seams; buttoned front

length 33 inches x chest 34 inches

Descended through the family of Parker Barrows Wickham (1851-1916).

Shortly after the death of Sitting Bull, Parker Barrows Wickham along with H.S. Parkins, A.E. Thorberg, and Christ Nordstrom purchased Sitting Bull's Cabin and its contents. The outfit consisted of one cottonwood log cabin 36 x 18, 8 feet in height, lighted by two windows and "shingled with dirt." Also one ghost pole 10 inches in diameter at the butt and 15 feet in length, highly decorated with red and blue paint: 14 buffalo robes, painted and bedecked with all manner of fish and animals, besides war scenes illustrative of the Custer massacre, all which are painted in an artistic Indian manner. Included in the bargain were four wagon loads of trinkets, Indian relics and curiosities (Minneapolis Journal, C.S. Branch 1891).

The cabin was reassembled at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair where Wickham attempted to sell trinkets from the purchase. Letters between Wickham and Thorberg describe a rocky start due to inclement weather and lack of attendance: "If it keeps up this way many days longer we will have to raise more money to keep the "shack" afloat."

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Descended through the family of Parker Barrows Wickham (1851-1916), one of the purchasers of Sitting Bull's cabin.

Although this shirt is very similar to the one in D.F. Barry's 1885 portrait of Sitting Bull, small differences point to this not being the same shirt.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Danica Farnand

Vice President, Head of Department, Native American Art

[email protected]513.666.4935

Ms. Farnand has helmed the Native American Art department since its inception at Cowan's Auctions in 2003, developing it into one of the most respected and successful departments in the category. Throughout her career, Ms. Farnand has sold over $50 million in Native Art, and has created focused and curated auctions for 19th and 20th century Native works, Jewelry, and Modern and Contemporary Native and Indigenous Arts. A distinguished expert in her field, Ms. Farnand is a respected voice in the ongoing dialogue between Native American tribal groups and the collecting community regarding culturally significant objects, serving as a board member of the Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association (ATADA) since 2019, and spearheading the effort to return a sacred Ahayu:da wooden figure to its rightful home in the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico in 2020. She has also been an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow since 2016. Ms. Farnand holds an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Cincinnati and a B.A. in Art History from John Carroll University.

Erin Rust

Associate Vice President, Specialist, Native American Art

[email protected]513.666.4947

Erin Rust is a specialist in the Native American, Prehistoric & Tribal Art department at Hindman.
Ms. Rust began as a specialist in Native American Art and Artifacts at Cowan’s Auctions in 2017, with a focus on Native jewelry and Midwestern prehistoric artifacts. She has also worked on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana and on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Ms. Rust holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design with a minor in History, concentrating in Native Studies, from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ms. Rust also appears on the top-rated PBS television program Antiques Roadshow.

We are open for pick-up Monday-Friday: 9am-4:30pm.

For questions about shipping or packing, please contact [email protected] or see our Shipping/Packing page.

Sioux Hide Shirt, Collected by Parker Barrows Wickham, a Purchaser of Sitting Bull's Cabin

late 19th century

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Descended through the family of Parker Barrows Wickham (1851-1916), one of the purchasers of Sitting Bull's cabin.

Although this shirt is very similar to the one in D.F. Barry's 1885 portrait of Sitting Bull, small differences point to this not being the same shirt.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Native American Art, Session I

Sioux Hide Shirt, Collected by Parker Barrows Wickham, a Purchaser of Sitting Bull's Cabin

Native American Art, Session I

Sioux Hide Shirt, Collected by Parker Barrows Wickham, a Purchaser of Sitting Bull's Cabin

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup