$2,415.00
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ca. 1880
2.25" H x 2.875" W - Pendant x 16.75" Total Length
Hand Crafted from Hide Leather with a Brass Pendant, Five Brass Bells, a Round Ring Made from Bone and Trade Beads
In Very Good Condition with Typical Aged Wear
Plains brass (or copper/brass) gorgets from the 19th century refer to crescent-shaped metal neck ornaments worn by Native American people of the Great Plains as part of regalia, often as symbols of status, rank, or decoration.
Native Americans had a long tradition of wearing gorgets (pendants) made from shell, stone, or copper dating back thousands of years, especially in Eastern Woodlands and Mississippian cultures. European contact introduced metal versions.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, European armies (British, French, etc.) used small crescent-shaped metal gorgets as officer rank badges. These were traded or gifted to Native leaders as diplomatic tokens, signs of alliance, or status symbols ("gorget captains"). They became popular trade items.
Plain (un-engraved) brass examples were common, but many featured engraving (e.g., chiefs, animals, motifs, or European crests). This one in particular has early native file work creating a sun or arrow style motif. They were typically worn suspended by cords, beads, or leather around the neck.
Condition:
Good
Tribe:
Plains Indian
Year Range:
1875 - 1900
Region:
Plains
Dimensions:
2.25 in2.88 in16.75 in
Category:
Necklaces - Other Styles
