American history weaves the incredible stories of indigenous Americans and white settlers into a complicated tapestry. Indeed the threads of pre-Columbian tribes run the longest and brightest, with every knot and loop providing more dimension to the fabric of our culture. Among this larger group of Native Americans is the Blackfoot people or Confederacy.
The Blackfoot is the historical name referring to the linguistically connected groups who spoke Siksiká (anglicized as Siksika). These groups – the Kainai Nation, North Peigan, Siksiká Nation, and South Peigan – called themselves the Niitsitapi, meaning “Blackfoot speaking real people” or “Those with Black Moccasins.” The latter meaning is attributed to their tradition of making moccasins from smoked hide at the tip of old tipis.
Given the tribal connection to the American landscape and ecosystem, the boundaries of the Blackfoot Confederacy greatly informed their way of life. They resided in the Great Plains, with the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, Canada to the north, the Yellowstone River in Montana to the south, the Rocky Mountains to the west, and the Alberta-Saskatchewan border to the east. In the interest of brevity and accuracy, this article will focus mostly on the South Peigan nation based in modern-day Montana.
As nomadic peoples, the Blackfoot followed their food sources throughout the year to sustain their community health. Men typically hunted bison, deer, moose, and elk. The method of “bison jumping,” in which hunters would herd the animal towards a cliff, was an innovative means of securing resources. They also used implements such as arrows, spears, clubs, and snares.
This beaded pipe bag with fringe sold for $540USD on eBay in 2020.
Strength and protection, in the form of hunting or battle, were celebrated qualities that were communicated through clothing and other material signifiers. The color red symbolized war, power, blood, energy, and strength. War clothing was adorned with intricate porcupine quillwork and fringe.
As men hunted, women gathered. Collecting seasonal plants such as camas root, berries, fruits, and herbs was integral to the sustenance of the tribe. These foods would be placed in animal hide containers, exemplifying the commendable use of all parts of the kill.
As we have all come to learn quite well, the Blackfoot suffered tremendously at the hands of white settlers, especially in the nineteenth century. The smallpox epidemics, cavalry raids and slaughters, and near-mass extermination of bison increased tensions to an astonishingly sad degree. In the early twentieth century, forced assimilation involved disbanding of tribal governments and outlawing the practice of tribal religions (though these rights were restored with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934).
Today, the word “reservation” is nearly ubiquitous with the white understanding of Native Americans. As PBS eloquently states: “The trials of life on many Indian reservations remain a complicated national issue today as Native Americans continue to cope with the effects of a legacy of forced relocation and the struggle to retain cultural traditions and languages.”
Given the fascinating history of the Blackfoot people, it is unsurprising that their clothing, tools, jewelry, art, instruments, weapons, and other items are equally captivating. It would be foolish to think one could tackle all of these categories in an article, so here it may be helpful to share some general collecting tips for those interested in tribal artifacts and collectibles.
When purchasing any tribal wares, the first question you should ask yourself is, “Where is this coming from?” This is an important step for many reasons. The first is fairly obvious – provenance and authenticity. An authentic Blackfoot antique is unlikely to be found at a roadside shop in Florida. It is certainly possible, but you can probably connect the dots yourself.
This vintage photograph of Chief Weasel Tail sold for $175USD on eBay in 2019.
Indeed if a tribal item is no longer in its originating territory, it begs the question of how it got to its current place. Unfortunately, due to the tragic mistreatment of Native Americans, the sanctity of their objects has been continually compromised. Much like with the victims of the Holocaust, repatriation efforts have been made to rightfully reconnect tribes with their belongings. So buyer be warned – without a good sense of where an object has been for many decades, you may be investing in an item that was forcibly removed from an innocent victim.
The second question you should ask yourself is, “Does this look right?” I know – this one is particularly difficult. But start somewhere simple, such as materials. If a seller is advertising a Blackfoot fishing rod, it is worth questioning because the Blackfoot only fished as a last resort. If they are offering a Blackfoot pair of moccasins, you know they should be made of smoked hide.
If the materials or designs seem a little off, it is worth considering if the available item is an authentic antique or a more recent iteration crafted for the tourist economy. Indeed the modern-day production of traditional items is a common profession for Native Americans. Oftentimes the materials or designs will be slightly or even drastically different to suit current tastes. Tourist items from Native communities can be worthy of your interest, of course, but they should not be conflated with antiques.
These initial questions are just a jumping-off point for collectors new and experienced. There is always more to learn about the objects that hold such significance in tribal communities. If you are interested in learning more about the Blackfoot people and their material culture, there are many resources available. The Museum of the Plains Indian and the National Museum of the American Indian include collections related to the Blackfoot, which are invaluable to understanding tribal artifacts. And, of course, the WorthPoint Library and Price Guide retain countless records to aid you in your research.
Lauren Casolo is a fine art and antiques appraiser based in Atlanta, Georgia, with several years of experience in the art advisory, insurance, and auction industries.
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The post What Is It and What Is It Worth? Artifacts and Collectibles Associated with the Blackfoot People first appeared on WorthPoint. #Collectibles
