Plateau Gauntlet Gloves

20th Century 2nd Quarter

14.875" L x 8.5" W + 4" Fringe

Hand Made from Native Tanned Hide with Fine Glass Seed Bead Beadwork in a Floral Motif and Satin Lined

In Very Good Condition with one Short Line of Beads on top of one Glove Missing per photo

Plateau Gauntlet Gloves are a distinctive style of traditional Native American gloves originating from the Plateau region (primarily encompassing tribes in the northwestern United States and parts of Canada, such as the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu), as well as influences from neighboring Plains and Great Basin groups).

These are elaborate beaded gauntlets — leather gloves (often made from deer, elk, or other animal hide) with extended, flared cuffs (the "gauntlet" style) that provide both protection and a large surface for intricate decoration. They were adapted in the 19th century from European/U.S. military riding gloves, which Native artisans transformed into artistic pieces by adorning them with colorful glass trade beads in floral, geometric, or occasionally pictorial motifs (like horses or butterflies).