Rare Courting Flute

Oglala Lakota Nation / Oglala Sioux Tribe
South Dakota, ca. 1870-1900
Carved cedar wood, hide thong, native pigment, displayed on a custom contemporary stand.
Excellent condition, minor loss to tip of bottom beak, traces of original paint and wash.
This rare and scarcely seen man’s courting flute in the form of a bird has survived in remarkable condition with faint traces of an original salmon-color pigment and polychrome paint. The solid soft wood construction of the flute shows traditional patterns with the distal end resembling the head of a crane bird with wonderful facial effigy details. The piece is wrapped with the original Indian tanned hide.

30” length

SOLD