Large 29" Vintage Northern Plains Doll with Shield

Mid 20th Century

29.125" H x 8.25" L x 10" W

Hand Crafted Doll from a Wood Frame, Hands and Face and Braided Hair Adorned with Hide Leather Clothing with Glass Seed Beads in White, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Clear, Gold and Red Colors with a Cream Colored Oblong Shell Breast Plate and a Round Abalone Shell Holding a Shield with a Painted Buffalo Design Adorned with Fur, Red Felt, Hide Leather and Feathers

In Good Condition Right Hand Has Broken Fingers as Pictured

Northern Plains dolls carrying shields represent male warriors or chiefs and are highly prized cultural artifacts from tribes like the Lakota (Sioux), Cheyenne, Crow, and Blackfoot. Unlike the far more common female dolls, historic male dolls with weaponry were crafted to teach young boys about the sacred responsibilities, status, and physical regalia of a warrior.