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Opossum hide decoration for staff / Unknown

Essay/Description

Tanned opossum skin with hair still attached. Backed with black fabric edged with green, yellow, and blue beads; green triangle next to edge, a single row of yellow, blue diamonds on inner edge. Outer edges bound with brown velvet ribbon with brass bells sewn ever two inched (two of the bells are missing). At back of head on right side, a brilliantly colored scarf is doubled and sewn. Center panel is bright green with red roses, yellow flowers and blue leaves. End is fringed with black fringe. Broach is pinned at top of scarf in center. This opossum hide is tied to the staff.

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Title(s): 
Opossum hide decoration for staff
Creator(s): 
Unknown
Culture: 
Native American; Osage
Date: 
19th century - mid-20th century
Materials/Techniques: 
opossum hide, fabric, glass, metal
Classification: 
Object Type: 
Credit Line: 
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John R. Whitesell and Sons
Accession No: 
84.2924b
Previous Number(s): 
tl1997.45.16b; tl1997.45.16b
Department: 
Not On View

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