Lot 42

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

Sale 1323 - Native American Art, Session I

Apr 19, 2024 10:00AM ET

Live / Cincinnati

Estimate

$1,500 - $2,500

Sold for $2,858

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

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.

Condition Report

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 Hindman 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 Hindman 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 Hindman.

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