eBay

Antique Authentic Sioux or Kiowa Full Beaded Hide Moccasin Cradle Board Papoose

Presented is an exceptionally unique and rare, hand-made antique early 1900's miniature Native American Kiowa or Sioux cradle board with a blanket-swaddled papoose baby doll inside. This miniature piece replicates the day-time sledding cradles used to carry the babies of native tribes of northern climes. The cradle is a Native American-made, hand-sown, sinew and hide, fully beaded (likely) Sioux, child's moccasin with a hand-woven or loomed cloth inner lining. The doll itself is a little composite-faced, soft-bodied doll known as a Skookum doll. There is a small piece of red plaid fabric inside the moccasin representing a baby blanket. The back of the traditionally styled cradle has a sinew loop you can use to hang the cradle board on the wall or in a light box.

There is no writing or markings anywhere on the piece.

The condition of the piece is very good. All of the strung beads are intact. There is one small 3/8 inch break in the moccasin hide at the back, and one hole near the heel. The bead string has separated from the hide in four places, but doesn't seem to be in jeopardy of breaking. There are cracks, but no peeling or missing hide on the moccasin's underside. Open our well-focused photos at maximum size to inspect all aspects of this interesting piece of history with close scrutiny.

Dimensions: Total - 9 inches long by 3 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches high. The doll is about 3 inches long. Moccasin is 6 1/4 inches long.

tm