Tom Connin Painted Robe Fragment

I would call this a fragment of a wearing Robe, a piece that survives from the turn of the century, (very early 19 century). It's done on brain tanned Buffalo hide and is painted with earth pigments mixed with hide glue and mounted in a frame. The original Robe this is borrowed from is now in the Musee du quai Branly, Paris.

Here's a detail from the Robe fragment. He could be the leader of the group since he is the Pipe Carrier. He's dressed in a Coat that could also signify position and he is wearing a magnificent Feathered Bonnet. Note too the Scalp hanging from his Horse's reigns, a successful Warrior. T.C.
Photos by Tom Connin.

Gary Birch Fishing Bag

Photos by Mitch Cook.

Ed Schweinfurth Primer

Photos by Jan Riser.

Ian Pratt

Photos supplied by Ian Pratt.

White/Indian Bag

I would like this bag to represent a blending of different cultures. There were individuals on the frontier who were just as comfortable in the cities as they were in the native villages and a token from each world could show status / position / authority. Perhaps too, nothing more than the willingness to accept and be a part or member. Here was the exchange of materials and design. There are seven known artists represented here and two unknown.

This bag was made by Brad Mills from vegetable tanned Deer hide, lined with a course linen. The Horn a old original picked up at a Flea Market.

The Horn has been engraved lightly by Kathy Sibley. The designs are Native....a mix of castellated motifs, elongated triangles, plus small crosshatched areas.

There was a button at one time to hold the flap closed. It has since been exchanged with a religious medal. The medal was made by Ward Oles. I would invite you to visit his website, "At The Eastern Door" where you can learn the meaning of this particular medal and view his period correct and other fine offerings.

Two fingerwoven straps. The red bodied example was woven by Tom Conde. His also incorporates two resist dye areas, a early decorative technique. Tim Connin, (the other) wove the red and blue example......(I had to pull some strings to acquire this). One can see how a selvage edge, (if there were two) would be interlocked to the body color. Where this one, (based on a original) enlarges a single selvage to create a unique example.

Horn tip powder measure attached by a piece of twisted silk ribbon. Wish I could say who made the measurer. I picked it up so long ago, I've forgotten who made it. Perhaps it was Mr. Hayes ? If you recognize your work....please let me know.

A single stand of genuine Wampum. This is modern made and is sold by the Six Nations in Canada.

Used in the background in all of these photos is a piece of braintan Antelope hide. My friend Manfred Weiss tanned it. What makes that unique is Manfred came all the way from Austria to tan the hides here in Ohio. Recently Manfred spent time in India teaching braintan techniques to some tanners there.

My contribution to all of this is having the good fortune to have been able to assemble this fine work from the varied sources. My Thanks goes to each and every artist. Keep up the Good Work !!! T.C.

Photos by Tom Connin.

Pair of Original Holster Pistols

Set of original holster pistols. These are about 20" overall in lenght with very old 13" Spanish barrels marked Gorgi Delorrin Madrid.

Ward Oles Bowl

Photos by Mitch Cook.

Kyle Willyard Knife

This is my concept of a Rev War period knife from Virginia. Inscribed with "Virginia" on one side and "For Liberty" on the other as if the soldier had carved it in. K.W.

Photos supplied by Kyle Willyard.

Angela Swedberg Child's Shirt

It is a child's size shirt, and is based on the concept of "Minipoka" or special children. Many of the Northern Tribes made these garments for children that were given status above the rest of the group. Paul Raczka wrote a excellent article about this in American Indian Art some years ago.

This shirt is made using brain tanned antelope hide, skinned and tanned to have the long leg drops and tails intact. The beadwork is sinew sewn on brain tanned buffalo hide. The beads used on this shirt are 100% antique Italian ones. The drops are ermine skins and horse mane hair. The paint is mineral ocher paint. The cloth is old square weave trade cloth. I then gave the shirt a light patina. A.S.

Photos by Angela Swedberg.

Jack Hubbard

Photos by Jan Riser.