A Cheyenne Beaded and Quilled Hide Pipe Bag

of classic tapering form with four tabs at the opening, composed of very finely tanned deer hide, sinew sewn along the sides and in the lower section in pink, blue, black, white, pumpkin and greasy yellow glass beadwork, with geometric motifs, the lower section trimmed with a fringed panel wrapped with porcupine quillwork dyed in red and ivory. 

The Estate of Joseph O' Leary (1911-1993)

Christie's New York, May 1994, lot 43

Acquired from the above by present owner  

Very good original condition with typical wear for its age that includes: a small tear in one of the four tabs, some loose beadwork, very minor bead loss, and some loose and/or missing wrapped quillwork.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Mr. O'Leary was an avid collector of Plains Indian art and spent significant time in the West assembling his collection. He also collected from W.R. Black and W.A. Kelker, both of whom amassed distinguished collections in the late 19th century. Mr. O'Leary worked at Harvard University's  Peabody Museum before retiring to Tennessee.