Dig It - 4/4/24
Well hello Fellow Seekers! Today we are going to talk about Style, some people got it and others ain’t. No, actually we are talking about a style, “Intermountain” in this case, as a shared set of designs, motifs, techniques, and colors that make up a cohesive recognizable group. It has been years since I studied Art History, but I think that is kind of right.
At any rate, the “Intermountain Style” of beadwork goes from the Utes in the east to the tribes along the Columbia River in the west. Many of the tribes in this vast area shared a preference for certain colors, especially the color pink, and bold geometric patterns featuring triangles. These tribes spoke many different, often unrelated languages; and had different beliefs and lifestyles, yet they shared an aesthetic or mental construct of what “looked right”. Interesting, don’t you think? I’m sure someone has written something about it…
These photographs are of the front and back of a Late 19th century Ute pouch. It is 22” long and 7” wide and I believe the foundation is elk hide. I have always liked Ute beadwork because it is a little “quirky” and not as strict or regimental as Crow beadwork. Their designs are often a little wobbly and the colors of the bead lots are often of various shades. I think of the Ute beaders as more painterly. I have had this piece for a while and greatly enjoyed it, but it is time for it to find a new home. In other words: It Is For Sale! If you’re interested, shoot me an email or a call at 505-983-2652. -Lonesome
