569

Warrior Ceremonial Water Vessel, Early 20th Century

buffalo bladder skin, wood
Vessel: 57 x 6 1/2 in. (144.78 x 16.51 cm.), Arrow: 24 in. (60.96 cm.)

"Sometimes a Sioux boy would slip away to join a war party, uninvited. When he was discovered, he was given an opportunity to show his sill and courage. Some member of the party would make for him a 'warrior's cup' - a buffalo bladder skin, the opening stretched on a little wooden hoop attached to a long forked stick. One prong of the fork was cut short, and to the bottom of the 'cup' was fastened a long cord. The forked stick was decorated, usually with magpie feathers, for the magpie was one of the first birds to arrive on a battlefield, and he warned of enemies approaching. The boy was told to locate a spring in enemy country and fill the cup with water, which he was to bring back to the chief of the war party. To prove the spring was really in enemy territory he left an arrow from his quiver, with his personal crest, stuck in the ground near the spring so someone could later check up on him if there were any doubts. If the boy completed the trial, he was expected to present the water to the chief while holding the stick in which the bladder was attached in one and and the tong in the other. When the chief attempted to take the 'cup,' the boy pulled the thong, splashing water all over him. Then everybody laughed, for it was as much as saying to the chief 'Well! You sent me on an errand you didn't think I could accomplish, but I did it, so now, take that!' The boy thus proved his competence and courage, and could go along as an accepted member of a party of experienced warriors."
Frame: 65 5/8 x 15 7/8 x 5 1/4 in. (166.69 x 40.32 x 13.34 cm.)

  • Condition: The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

Shipping Options

Invaluable Shipping

  • Expert Care packing and Shipping
  • Shipment Protection
  • Real-time tracking

Arrange your own

  • You will coordinate with us to arrange your own shipping

Local pickup

  • You will coordinate with us and arrange pick up time after payment.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

August 15, 2021 12:00 PM MDT
Santa Fe, NM, US

Santa Fe Art Auction

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $499,999:
20.00%
$500,000 - $999,999:
18.00%
$1,000,000+:
15.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $29,999 $2,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $299,999 $10,000
$300,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $30,000