Traditional Nez Perce culture places a great value on horses, and both horses and riders wear their finest trappings during parades held at annual encampments and celebrations. This beaded collar is meant to hang from a horse's neck. The beadwork is sewn onto the red wool cloth with an overlay stitch that alternates between horizontal and vertical orientation in the various design areas. The geometric design emphasizes elongated triangles and diamonds in colors of predominantly the same value. The subtle color shift in the blue background is unusual and provides an added feeling of dimension.

• Collection History Provenance

  The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

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• Type of Item martingale
• Culture Interior Salish, Nez Perce
• Material wool cloth, cotton cloth, leather, glass bead, brass bell
• Measurements height 41.0 in, width 21.0 in (overall)

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• Creator Nez Perce artist

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• Creation Date during 1875

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• Categories Plateau; Animal Equipment