We are honored to feature historic works from the Couse-Sharp Historic Site’s collection of Native beadwork in the Stitched in Sovereignty exhibition. The images below are by Jeff Smith.
Bag, Umatilla or Yakama, ca. 1870,
buckskin, glass beads
Belt, ca. 1890, leather, buckskin, glass beads,
brass tacks, metal buckle, sinew thread
Doll and Cradleboard, ca. 1870s-1880s, buckskin, glass beads, hair, wood, calico cloth, wool, vegetal fibers, cotton thread 
Moccasins, likely Lakota, ca. 1890, buckskin, glass beads, copper beads, silver beads, sinew thread 
Tab Bag, ca. 1890, buckskin, glass beads,
pigment, sinew thread
Authored by Dr. Chelsea M. Herr (Choctaw) and Dr. E. Jane Burns, The Couse Collection of Native Beadwork features in-depth scholarship and fine photography of historic beadwork by Indigenous tribes in North America. Coupled with Jeff Smith’s color plates, these detailed studies offer readers the most comprehensive information about this collection available today.
moderated by Davison Koenig, Executive Director & Curator, the Couse-Sharp Historic Site
As the third volume in a series of books known as The Record, The Couse Collection of Native Beadwork explores the vibrant collection of Plateau and Plains beadwork acquired by artist E. I. Couse and his wife, Virginia Walker, near her family ranch along the Columbia River, and in Taos, New Mexico.
The Couse Collection of Beadwork book is available for purchase online.
Click here for more information.
