Crow Beaded and Fringed Hide Mirror Bag

the rectangular pouch finely sinew sewn in glass beadwork, with an hourglass design enclosed by classic geometric devices, suspended on a hide strap, overlaid with red wool cloth panels and decorated with additional beaded details, trimmed with white beads; a long fringed panel on the lower edge.

Very good overall condition with typical wear for its age including minor bead loss and/or some lose neads. The missingin beads on the edge of the strap and the missing section on the hourglass are fairly evident in the catalogue photo. Fringe is slightly worn but supple.
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.

For a discussion of Crow mirror bags see Barbara Loeb, "American Indian Art Magazine," Winter 1980, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 46-53: "The mirror bag is also a man's bag, and like the bandoleer bag, is more rare than its fame would suggest. Only eighteen and one-half mirror bags in the 1870-1930s style have been located...The earliest record of a mirror bag is in a sketch made by Swiss artist Rudolph Kurz in 1851. In the early days the mirror bag held a large hand mirror with which a man could check his face paint, hair or general appearance."