Plains Beaded Cradle with Doll

Mid/Late 20th Century

1.5" H x 6.875" L x 2.75" W

Hand Crafted from Wood, Metal, Leather, Glass Seed Beads in Red, White, Yellow, Blue, and Black Colors with Larger Beads in Light Blue, White, Pink, Red, Black and Silver Colors with a Bell, Shell and Long Silver Beads Doll has Hair with Necklace and Clothing

In Very Good Condition

The Plains Beaded Cradle with Doll is a traditional Native American artifacts from Plains tribes (such as Lakota/Sioux, Blackfoot, Crow, Cheyenne, or Arapaho). Full-sized cradleboards (also called papoose carriers) were used to securely carry infants while allowing mothers mobility during daily tasks or travel. They typically featured a wooden frame with hide or cloth coverings, often lavishly decorated with glass beadwork in geometric patterns, quillwork, fringe, bells, or amulets for protection and to symbolize family pride and the child's welcome.

Smaller versions, like these with dolls, were toy cradleboards made for children—especially young girls—to play with and learn childcare, beadwork traditions, and cultural practices. Dolls were often simple, wrapped in trade cloth or hide, and placed in miniature beaded cradles. These toys were crafted with the same care as real ones, reflecting love, prestige, and continuity of tribal identity.