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Lot 53

Sale 1133 - Native American Art, Session I
Apr 21, 2023 10:00AM ET
Live / Cincinnati
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Estimate
$3,000 - 5,000
Price Realized
$5,670
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Cheyenne Beaded Hide Tobacco Bag, with Documentation
fourth quarter 19th century


sinew-sewn and beaded using colors of pony trader blue, green, red white-heart, and greasy yellow

overall length 16-1/2 inches

Included is a copy of a handwritten note:

Dear Lynn,

This pipe bag belonged to "Two Moons" and was used by him during the last years of his life.  It was given to me by "Little Whirlwind" the last of his many wives.

Two Moons was the war chief of the Cheyenne Indians and led them in Custer's battle.  He could have without doubt given an authentic account of the battle; but repeated efforts on the part of government officials, historians and curious people were fruitless.

I was his physician during the last year of his life and had many interesting talks with him.

I once asked him if he know who shot "Yellow Hair" (Custer) and he answered "yes," farther than that I never got.  He would talk by the hour of Indian legends, superstitions, etc. and seem to enjoy it - but of Custer's Battle, never.  He was past 90 at his death and his mind was unusually clear to the last.  I considered him much above the average Indian intellectually --

I thought you might like to hear this on account of its historical connection.  Wishing you a Merry X-mas.

Love as Ever,
H. Clay Mark

Donated in 1926.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

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