Lot #144: Pueblo | Collection of Seven Pairs of Beaded Dance Anklets | Mid 20th Century

Historical Context & Origin Region: American Southwest, Pueblo Culture Material: Reed-woven foundations with glass beadwork, wool wrapping, leather, and textile backing Period: Mid 20th Century Description This remarkable collection consists of seven pairs of Pueblo men’s dance anklets, traditionally worn as part of ceremonial dance regalia around the lower legs and ankles. Constructed from reed-woven cores and decorated with vivid beadwork or tightly wrapped dyed fibers, the anklets display a striking variety of geometric motifs and ceremonial color palettes characteristic of Pueblo artistic traditions. The collection includes multiple stylistic examples, ranging from finely beaded black-and-white checkerboard designs to boldly wrapped geometric forms in turquoise, red, green, black, and cream tones. Several retain original leather ties and textile backings, demonstrating authentic ceremonial construction and use. The larger examples feature substantial wrapped reed construction with dynamic stepped and diamond motifs associated with Pueblo visual symbolism. Dance anklets such as these were worn during ceremonial performances, community gatherings, and seasonal ritual dances, where movement enhanced the visual rhythm of the regalia. The vivid colors and repeating geometric designs reflect longstanding Pueblo aesthetic traditions rooted in ceremonial identity and cultural continuity. Features Collection of seven matching pairs of ceremonial dance anklets Reed-woven structural construction Hand-applied beadwork and wrapped wool decoration Traditional geometric Pueblo motifs Original leather tie elements and cloth backing retained Strong ethnographic display grouping Excellent visual diversity across the collection Cultural Significance Ceremonial dance regalia occupies a central role within Pueblo cultural traditions, where movement, sound, color, and symbolism are integrated into ritual performance. Anklets such as these formed part of larger ceremonial ensembles and contributed to both the visual and performative aspects of dance traditions preserved across generations. Condition Displays age-related wear throughout, including scattered bead loss, fraying, staining, surface wear, backing deterioration, and minor losses consistent with ceremonial use and age. Overall the collection remains visually strong and highly displayable. Dimensions (Approximate) Ranging in size from approximately 7 inches x 2.5 inches to 12 inches x 4 inches Age (Approximate) 50–90 years old Provenance Private collection Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Acquired by the current owner in 2026. Dimensions: Ranging in size from approximately 7 inches x 2.5 inches to 12 inches x 4 inches Pickup category timeslot {A} Price Estimate: CAD 1700 - 2800 Ships from Toronto, ON. No local pickup. Buyer arranges shipping and insurance directly with seller after auction closes.