Nez Perce Baby Cradle, ca. 1910
GUEST:
My mother's father was a 4H extension leader for the state of Idaho. He was an avid photographer, and would take pictures and give them to the Indians. And so they, in exchange, at times, gave him some things.
APPRAISER:
This is a very beautiful Nez Perce cradle. This is like a car seat today for a baby in a horse culture. The hood protects the baby. They're very comfortable, and they make the baby feel very secure. It's covered with what are called Czechoslovakian cut beads. They're really hard to sew because they cut the thread. Only the best bead workers used cut beads. I would think this was made sometime between 1900 and maybe 1920 at the latest. It's very visual and plus it just is representative of that culture. If I saw this in a gallery, I would easily expect it to be $3,500 to $4,500, and possibly more.
Appraisal Details
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