Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5

Cameo of Chief Billy Bowlegs

About the Item

One of history's most important American Indian leaders, Seminole Indian chief Billy Bowlegs (also known as Holata Micco, or "Alligator Chief"), is represented in this exceptionally rare cameo brooch. He is faithfully depicted in the distinctive clothing of the Seminole tribe, including a feather headdress and large hoop earring. Intricately carved from a stunning specimen of labradorite, the cameo shimmers with a lovely blue iridescence that brings this legendary figure to life. Descended from a line of Seminole Indian chiefs, Bowlegs was among the last and the most resilient Seminole War leaders. He rose to power during the Second Seminole War, when his successful use of guerrilla warfare frustrated the attempts of American military forces to remove American Indians from Florida. Bowlegs' warriors were counted among the most fearsome of the Seminole tribes - when hostilities ended in 1842, they were considered the most prominent survivors. Peace lasted for several years, until fighting broke out again in 1855 after a group of surveyors destroyed plants and property in Seminole territory. Bowlegs responded by again engaging in guerrilla warfare, beginning the Third Seminole War. After several years of attacks, Bowlegs and his tribe agreed to relocate to Indian Territory in Arkansas in 1858. Tales of Bowlegs' resistance remain legendary in Florida and beyond. After his death in 1859, a number of Seminole warriors adopted the name Billy Bowlegs to honor the fallen chief, while a spring in Fort Myers, Florida also bears his name. This cameo represents the man's enduring legacy and historic importance. Circa 1855 1 5/8" high x 1 5/16" wide
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 1.63 in (41.41 mm)Width: 1.32 in (33.53 mm)
  • Style:
    Anglo-Indian
  • Place of Origin:
    United States
  • Period:
    Mid-19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1855
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 30-85811stDibs: LU1359598152
More From This SellerView All
  • Antique Moses Cameo Brooch
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    The legendary Michelangelo's Moses is meticulously recreated in this 19th-century cameo brooch. Crafted of beautiful onyx, the intricate cameo resides in ...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

    Materials

    Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • Diamond Cameo Pendant, 4.50 Carats
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    Featuring a combination of both exquisite intaglio and relief carving, this cameo pendant combines the glory of the Classical age with the refinement of the Victorian era. The pendan...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

    Materials

    Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

  • Renaissance Cameo Pendant
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...
    Category

    Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces

    Materials

    Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

  • Ancient Greek Dionysus Cameo Ring
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    This exceptionally rare and large ancient Greek sardonyx cameo dates to the late Hellenistic period, and features a carving of Dionysus, the god of wine ...
    Category

    Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Signet Rings

    Materials

    14k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Dragonfly Brooch
    By Fred Leighton
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    Enveloped in a sea of 60.26 carats of fancy vivid yellow diamonds is this tour de force of jewelry craftsmanship from the collaboration of jewelry legends Fred Leighton and Carvin French. Made for Patricia Kluge...
    Category

    20th Century American Contemporary Brooches

    Materials

    Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • Mellerio Stomacher Diamond Brooch
    By Mellerio
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    This remarkable and rare circa 19th century stomacher brooch showcases the unparalleled artistry of Mellerio, the oldest jewelry firm in France. Crowned by a spray of diamond flowerheads, leaves and buds, this beautiful En Tremblant brooch moves with the wearer, creating countless light refractions and multiplying its brilliance. The brooch is convertible; the flowerhead panel and cascading trellis-work section can each be worn separately. The resplendent jewelry piece is punctuated by detachable pear-shaped diamond drops. Meant to draw the eye and elevate a woman’s ensemble and status, stomacher trembler...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century French Edwardian Brooches

    Materials

    Diamond

You May Also Like
  • Crevoshay Masterworks Opal Sapphire 18k Flower Brooch Pin “Nectar of the Sun”
    By Paula Crevoshay
    Located in Perry, FL
    Absolutely stunning one of a kind Paula Crevoshay brooch pin 18k and gemstone flower titled “Nectar of the Sun” from her Masterwork Botanicals collections. Opal =7.77ct., Sapphire(39...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary Brooches

    Materials

    Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold

  • 48.02 ct Carved Natural Alexandrite Chameleon
    By Tsarina Jewels
    Located in Bangkok, TH
    An extraordinary 48.02 ct Alexandrite carving, meticulously shaped into the form of a chameleon. Alexandrite, known for its remarkable color-changing properties, holds a rich histori...
    Category

    2010s Thai Artisan Figurines and Sculptures

    Materials

    Alexandrite

  • 40 Ct Natural Emerald Fish Carving
    By Tsarina Jewels
    Located in Bangkok, TH
    A synergy between gemstone and art enclosed in a subtle piece - Emerald Fish Carving. In modern spiritual beliefs and practice, fish have come to symboli...
    Category

    2010s Thai Artisan Figurines and Sculptures

    Materials

    Emerald

  • Crevoshay 18k Elephant “Surus” Brooch Pin from Masterworks: Endangered Treasury
    By Paula Crevoshay
    Located in Perry, FL
    Stunning One of a Kind Paula Crevoshay 18k gem and diamond Elephant brooch pin from her masterworks Endangered Treasury collection and titled “Surus” . Per the designer he is comprised of Yogo Sapphire...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures

    Materials

    Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Spinel, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • coral brooch and sculpture
    Located in Amsterdam, NL
    A coral brooch and sculpture with a bucolic scene praising country life, Italy, 18th century.
    Category

    Italian Figurines and Sculptures

    Materials

    Coral, 18k Gold

  • Coral Angel Brooch
    Located in Amsterdam, NL
    A large coral brooch of an angel, Italy, 18th century. weight: 19.1 grams dimensions: 6.1 cm.
    Category

    Antique Early 19th Century Italian Georgian Brooches

    Materials

    Coral, 18k Gold

Recently Viewed

View All