CUSTOM MADE

BREASTPLATES

Breastpates of the Plains Indian (Native American Indian)

Sharon is Cherokee (not registered with the Cherokee Nation)

A bone breastplate was a popular chest ornament / chest armor.  The long bones called hair-pipes, were made with bones from buffalo, birds, or manufactured by the Whites - then assembled by the Indians.  The top of the plate was tied around the neck with a thong, and other thongs at the bottom secured it around the waist.  Since the hair-pipe bones were difficult and expensive to obtain, the number of bones in the plate often indicated the wealth of a warrior.  Such breastplates were worn on occasion in battle, but could be penetrated easily by an arrow or a bullet, so they were mainly a decorative or medicine item.  Plush breastplates of otter skin were also covered with mirrors, gorgeously decorated with quills, and used for ceremonial dances

hair pipw choker

 

Breastplate - length from top beads to bottom beads (not including braided leather neck strap) 24 inches. Leather, abalone, various types of beads, i.e. pony beads, crow beads and trade beads, brass beads, elk teeth, etc. 48 hairpipes each side, plus 49 center hair pipes.

This example was $645.00

 

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Breastplate - length from top beads to bottom beads (not including braided leather neck strap) 13 inches. Leather, abalone, various types of beads, i.e. white hearts, crow beads and brass beads, etc. 25 hairpipes each side, plus 26 center hair pipes.

This exampled was $450.00

 

Northern Plains Women's breastplate

 

 

 

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