How do I identify Native American beadwork?

To identify Native American beadwork, first consider the materials. Indigenous American artisans often produce beads out of glass and natural materials, such as shells, bone and wood, and use metal and plastic in their pieces less frequently. Older pieces will usually be held together by sinew, while newer examples will typically feature thread. Regardless of age, Native American beadwork will typically be expertly crafted, so pieces usually have tight, even stitching with no visible gaps. Familiarizing yourself with stitching techniques used by various tribes can also be helpful. You can find images of authentic beadwork on trusted online resources to refer to as you complete the identification process. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of textiles and garments that feature Native American beadwork.

What are the two different types of Native American beadwork?

The two types of Native American beadwork are called the “lazy stitch” or “lane stitch” and the “tack stitch” or “flat stitch”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Antique Native American Beadwork

Native American Beaded Bag

19th Century Beaded Bandolier

Brain Tanned

History Of America

19th Century Moccasins

Beaded Indian Moccasins

Brain Tan

American Indian Beads

Native American Beadwork Gauntlets with an Chief, ca 1880-90

$6,500

H 20.25 in W 26.5 in D 2 in

Native American Beadwork Gauntlets with an Chief, ca 1880-90

Located in York County, PA

Native American beadwork gauntlets with Indian Chiefs in feathered headdresses, probably souix, Ca

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Leather

19th Century Native Chippewa Beaded Bandolier

$6,050

H 40 in W 14 in D 0.25 in

19th Century Native Chippewa Beaded Bandolier

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

. Bright and visual vintage piece of Native American beadwork. Makes a great wall hanging. Period: 19th

Category

1890s American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

Crow Beaded Hide Cuffs with Bar Design, Plains Native American Regalia

$3,250 / set

H 5 in W 5 in D 4 in

Crow Beaded Hide Cuffs with Bar Design, Plains Native American Regalia

By Native American Art

Located in Denver, CO

Northern Plains Native American artistry, where bold design, technical mastery, and cultural meaning

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Tin

19th Century Native Chippewa Beaded Bandolier

$6,050

H 35 in W 13 in D 0.25 in

19th Century Native Chippewa Beaded Bandolier

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

and green fringe at divide. Nice and visual vintage piece of Native American beadwork. Makes a great

Category

1890s American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

Small Beaded Washoe Basket

$500

H 2.25 in Dm 4.25 in

Small Beaded Washoe Basket

By Native American Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American baskets, baskets, beadwork

Category

1910s American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

19th Century Northern Plains Hair Drop

$4,600

H 35 in W 6 in D 2 in

19th Century Northern Plains Hair Drop

By Native American Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

, collectibles, antiques, Native American beadwork.

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads, Feathers

19th Century Northern Plains Hair Drop

$4,600

H 35 in W 6 in D 2 in

19th Century Northern Plains Hair Drop

By Native American Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

American, garments, Blackfeet, headdress, collectibles, antiques, Native American beadwork.

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads, Feathers

19th Century Northern Plains Beaded Possibles Bag

$8,625

H 21 in W 15 in D 15 in

19th Century Northern Plains Beaded Possibles Bag

By Native American Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American beadwork cradles

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

19th Century Blackfeet Split Horn Headdress

$30,000

H 54 in W 12 in D 12 in

19th Century Blackfeet Split Horn Headdress

By Native American Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

American, garments, Blackfeet, headdress, collectibles, antiques, Native American beadwork.

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads, Feathers

19th Century Native Sauk Beaded Bandolier

$13,200

H 39 in W 16 in D 0.25 in

19th Century Native Sauk Beaded Bandolier

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American Beadwork, Bandolier Bags

Category

1890s American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

Athebascan Tribe Moccasins

$3,000

H 9 in W 4 in D 4 in

Athebascan Tribe Moccasins

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

be your trusted source. Native American, Beadwork, Moccasins, Soles, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Tribe

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Animal Skin

Native American Antique embroidered Gauntlets Indian Beadwork

$425Sale Price|20% Off

H 11.82 in W 9.06 in D 1.19 in

Native American Antique embroidered Gauntlets Indian Beadwork

Located in London, GB

Native American Antique Beaded Gauntlets Buck skin Gauntlets Finely beaded with US flag design

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Willow

Sioux Beaded Patriotic Doctor's Bag, Early 20th Century

$19,800

H 12 in W 18 in D 10 in

Sioux Beaded Patriotic Doctor's Bag, Early 20th Century

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

be your trusted source. Native American beadwork native American Indian beadwork doctor's bag flags

Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Leather

Authentic 19th Century Nez Perce Beaded Cradleboard

$19,550

H 37 in W 15.5 in D 15.5 in

Authentic 19th Century Nez Perce Beaded Cradleboard

By Nez Perce Indians

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

american beadwork nez perce cradleboards

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide

19th Century Native Chippewa Beaded Bandolier

$6,050

H 36 in W 14 in D 0.25 in

19th Century Native Chippewa Beaded Bandolier

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

American, Beaded, Beadwork, Floral, Chippewa, Bandolier

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

19th-Century Kiowa-Apache Beaded Hide Bag with Geometric Motifs, Plains Art

$2,650

H 0.125 in W 7.25 in D 11 in

19th-Century Kiowa-Apache Beaded Hide Bag with Geometric Motifs, Plains Art

By Native American Art

Located in Denver, CO

Plains Native American artistry and craftsmanship. Expertly hand-stitched from native-tanned animal hide

Category

19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads

19th Century Native American Crow Beaded Saddle

$17,000

H 25 in W 10 in D 18 in

19th Century Native American Crow Beaded Saddle

By Crow

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

19th Century Sioux Beaded Moccasins

$3,450

H 10.5 in W 4 in D 4 in

19th Century Sioux Beaded Moccasins

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

stitch into the surface. This approach is best for geometric designs. Native American Beadwork

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads

19th Century Cheyenne Beaded Moccasins

$3,450

H 10 in W 4 in D 4 in

19th Century Cheyenne Beaded Moccasins

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

the surface. This approach is best for geometric designs. Native American Beadwork, Moccasins, Native

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads

Mid-19th Century Choctaw Beaded Bandolier

$35,000

H 32 in W 10 in D 0.25 in

Mid-19th Century Choctaw Beaded Bandolier

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

be your trusted source. Native American, Choctaw Indian, Beaded, Beadwork, Bandolier, Swirl

Category

Mid-19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

19th Century Native Nez Perce Beaded Martingale

$20,000

H 44 in W 18 in D 2 in

19th Century Native Nez Perce Beaded Martingale

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Beadwork, Native American, Indian, Nez

Category

19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

1858 Presentation Beadwork on Red Stroud

$75,000

H 55 in W 50 in D 3 in

1858 Presentation Beadwork on Red Stroud

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

1858 Presentation Beadwork on Red Stroud. Beaded by the Crow. Written on the piece, "This was

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Wool, Beads

Sioux Brain Tanned and Beaded Work Bag

$4,500

H 8 in W 13 in D 2 in

Sioux Brain Tanned and Beaded Work Bag

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

– we hope to be your trusted source. Beaded, beadwork, Native American, Sioux, Brain Tanned, Bag

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide

Arapaho Beaded Moccasins

$900

H 3 in W 10 in D 4 in

Arapaho Beaded Moccasins

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

be your trusted source. Beadwork, Native American, Indian, Arapaho, Antique, Vintage, Moccasins.

Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads

19th Century Arapaho Large Panel Tobacco Bag

$6,325

H 32 in W 11 in D 9 in

19th Century Arapaho Large Panel Tobacco Bag

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

American beadwork Native American Indian Native American pipe bags sale items beadwork pipe bags.

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide

exquisite 19th Century Iroquois Beadwork Cushion, Native American Craftsmanship

$198

H 1.58 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

exquisite 19th Century Iroquois Beadwork Cushion, Native American Craftsmanship

Located in Hamburg, DE

beadwork cushion, a remarkable example of Native American artistry. This exquisite piece showcases the

Category

Early 19th Century American Victorian Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Silk, Glass

Recent Sales

Moccasins and Leggings, Sioux 'Plains', circa 1910, Native American Beadwork

Sold

H 16.5 in W 16 in D 10.25 in

Moccasins and Leggings, Sioux 'Plains', circa 1910, Native American Beadwork

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Denver, CO

Northern Sioux moccasins and leggings, early 20th century Native American, Plains Indian beadwork

Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide

Pair Of American Indian Beadwork Gloves

Sold

H NaN in W NaN in

Pair Of American Indian Beadwork Gloves

Located in York County, PA

PAIR OF AMERICAN INDIAN BEADWORK GLOVES, CA 1890: Native American beadwork, doeskin

Category

19th Century American Antique Native American Beadwork

Native American "Good Luck" Horseshoe Beadwork

Sold

H 15 in W 12.5 in D 2 in

Native American "Good Luck" Horseshoe Beadwork

Located in York County, PA

Native American “Good Luck” Horseshoe Beadwork Whimsey, Dated 1909, Iroquois, Upstate, New York

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

Antique Native American Beaded Awl Case, Sioux 'Plains Indian, ' 19th Century

Sold

H 20.5 in W 2 in D 0.75 in

Antique Native American Beaded Awl Case, Sioux 'Plains Indian, ' 19th Century

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Denver, CO

Antique 19th century Native American Sioux (Plains Indian) beadwork woman's awl case constructed of

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide

Native American Beaded Coin Purse

Sold

H 7.75 in W 7.5 in D 2.5 in

Native American Beaded Coin Purse

Located in York County, PA

representation of an animal on the reverse, circa 1910-1930 Native American beadwork coin purse with wonderful

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

Plains Indian Beaded Coin Purse

Sold

H 8 in W 8 in D 2.5 in

Plains Indian Beaded Coin Purse

Located in York County, PA

obverse, and a floral design on the reverse, circa 1880 Native American beadwork coin purse. Made

Category

1870s American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

Antique Sioux Gun Holster, Plains Indian Native American Beadwork, Circa 1890

Sold

H 10.75 in W 4.75 in D 0.25 in

Antique Sioux Gun Holster, Plains Indian Native American Beadwork, Circa 1890

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Denver, CO

American beadwork from the Plains Indians. The holster is intricately decorated with glass trade beads on

Category

19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide, Beads

Yankton Sioux Beaded Moccasins

Sold

H 3 in W 4.5 in D 10 in

Yankton Sioux Beaded Moccasins

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Origin: Sioux Size: 10" x 4 1/2" Yankton Sioux, Native American, Beadwork, Moccasins, Native, Vintage

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

19th Century Plains Pouch with Pictographs in Beadwork

Sold

H 5.5 in W 3.75 in D 0.5 in

19th Century Plains Pouch with Pictographs in Beadwork

By Native American Art

Located in Denver, CO

Transitional plains pouch from the last quarter of the 19th century. Constructed of native tanned

Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide

Native American Antique Beaded Gauntlets Indian Beadwork

Sold

H 11.82 in W 9.06 in D 1.19 in

Native American Antique Beaded Gauntlets Indian Beadwork

Located in London, GB

Native American Antique Beaded Gauntlets Buck skin Gauntlets Finely beaded with floral design

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Willow

Authentic Hand Beaded Nez Perce Flat Bag With Peacock

Sold

H 10 in W 8 in D 0.5 in

Authentic Hand Beaded Nez Perce Flat Bag With Peacock

By Native American Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

source. Native American, Indian, Nez Perce, Beaded, beadwork, handmade, antique, vintage, flat bag

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Leather, Beads

Authentic Plateau Floral Beaded Flat Bag

Sold

H 11 in W 9 in D 9 in

Authentic Plateau Floral Beaded Flat Bag

By Plateau Indians

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American, Beaded, Beadwork, Bag

Category

1890s American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Beads

Yankton Sioux Quilled Knife and Sheath

Sold

H 10 in W 3 in D 1 in

Yankton Sioux Quilled Knife and Sheath

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

be your trusted source. Native American, antiques, collectibles, Sioux, quill, beadwork

Category

Mid-19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

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$228,132Sale Price|33% Off

H 51.19 in W 55.12 in D 201.58 in

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

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Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Native American Beadwork

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Other

Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago

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15th Century and Earlier African Antique Native American Beadwork

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Bone

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Late 19th Century European Moorish Antique Native American Beadwork

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1 BANGA space age micro architecture prefab house bungalow by Carlo Zappa, 1971

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H 110.24 in W 127.56 in D 127.56 in

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Fiberglass

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$37,788

H 3.15 in W 1.97 in D 16.54 in

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18th Century Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Sioux Bow, Arrows and Beaded Quiver Case

$15,000

H 46 in W 6 in D 6 in

19th Century Sioux Bow, Arrows and Beaded Quiver Case

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Sioux bow and quiver with beaded bands on top and bottom on both bow and quiver case. Bow 46" of bodack with original sinew string and three 24" matching arrows, two having 2 1/2" or...

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Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

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Other

Native Kiowa 19th Century Pictorial Child's Teepee

$38,500

H 38 in Dm 38 in

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Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Other

Samuel RobbCigar Store Indian, Early 20th Century, Carved Wood With Polychrome Decoration

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19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Native American Hidatsa Arikara Medicine Shirt

$30,000

H 35 in W 18 in D 18 in

19th Century Native American Hidatsa Arikara Medicine Shirt

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19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

Materials

Hide

Antique Sioux Plains Native American Beaded Buckskin and Canvas Possible Bag

$4,500

H 15 in W 22 in D 4 in

Antique Sioux Plains Native American Beaded Buckskin and Canvas Possible Bag

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Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Native American Beadwork

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Hide, Canvas, Beads

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$976,800

H 15 in W 39 in D 34 in

Tiffany & Company, George Paulding Farnham, A Rare, Lavish Silver Centerpiece

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Ojibwe Beaded Powder Horn with Dyed Cloth Strap, Eastern Woodlands, c.1865

$6,500

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Ojibwe Beaded Powder Horn with Dyed Cloth Strap, Eastern Woodlands, c.1865

By Native American Art

Located in Denver, CO

This rare and finely crafted mid-19th century Ojibwe powder horn, dating to around 1865, is an exceptional example of Eastern Woodlands Native American artistry. Originating from the...

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Antique Native American Beadwork For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more in our collection of antique native American beadwork on 1stDibs. A piece of antique native American beadwork — often made from animal skin, hide and beads — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without an item from our selection of antique native American beadwork — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Sioux Indian Art, Native American Art and Plateau Indians each produced at least one beautiful choice in our collection of antique native American beadwork that is worth considering.

How Much is a Antique Native American Beadwork?

Prices for a piece of antique native American beadwork start at $363 and top out at $75,000 with the average selling for $4,400.

Finding the Right Native-american-objects for You

As part of thoughtful home decor, antique and vintage Native American objects — works created by Native American artists and artisans — can bring rich textures and colors into a space.

Art collecting can be done in a socially and environmentally conscious way that reinvests in local communities. Tribal art is traditionally crafted with earth-friendly materials that respect the environment.

Textiles have long been objects of art and utility for Native Americans. Traditional weaving techniques involve material made from plant and animal fibers. Different tribes have woven distinctive patterns and colors into blankets, rugs and garments, such as the vibrant geometric shapes woven from wool by the Navajo.

After metal and glass beads were introduced to North America by Europeans, they became a popular form of art. Intricate beading appears on clothing, jewelry and other objects. Beadwork not only looks stunning, but it is also deeply emblematic of Native American ethnicity and can be used to pass stories handed down from generation to generation. Beaded garments have often been commissioned for important events like weddings, dances and celebrations.

Native Americans initially created pottery out of necessity to carry water and store food. For centuries, artists have decorated jugs, vases and other vessels, from designs etched into clay to experimentation with firing methods for unique finishes.

Find a diverse collection of colorful and culturally enriching antique and vintage Native American decorative items, objects and much more on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Native American Beadwork

How do I identify Native American beadwork?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
To identify Native American beadwork, first consider the materials. Indigenous American artisans often produce beads out of glass and natural materials, such as shells, bone and wood, and use metal and plastic in their pieces less frequently. Older pieces will usually be held together by sinew, while newer examples will typically feature thread. Regardless of age, Native American beadwork will typically be expertly crafted, so pieces usually have tight, even stitching with no visible gaps. Familiarizing yourself with stitching techniques used by various tribes can also be helpful. You can find images of authentic beadwork on trusted online resources to refer to as you complete the identification process. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of textiles and garments that feature Native American beadwork.
What are the two different types of Native American beadwork?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The two types of Native American beadwork are called the “lazy stitch” or “lane stitch” and the “tack stitch” or “flat stitch”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.