Sioux Grizzly Bear Claw Necklace

mid-19th century

28 honey-colored claws coated with red pigment; claws are separated by polished plum pits

longest claw 4 inches; length of necklace 16 inches

Large, powerful, and ferocious, the grizzly bear, or grisly bear, as it is often was written, was something to be emulated by a warrior. A lesser-known facts is that Plains Indians regarded bears as great doctors. A person possessing bear power was the specialist to consult when one's life hung in the balance....

The Plains tribes felt it was an equal feat to kill a grizzly bear as to kill a human enemy. In fact, some tribes believed that these bears actually were humans with an altered appearance.... Instead of keeping the scalp as a trophy, men took the giant yellowish claws to commemorate a great victory (Hansen 1994: 106).

Published:
Spirits in the Arts (Hansen 1994: 106, plate 111)

Ex Mae Reed Porter (1889-1969)

Has been restrung.

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 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 Grizzly Bear Claw Necklace

mid-19th century

Ex Mae Reed Porter (1889-1969)

Has been restrung.

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

Native American Art: The Lifetime Collection of Forrest Fenn, Part I

Sioux Grizzly Bear Claw Necklace

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup