AboutRichard Sutton Expertise As a direct reservation trader in all aspects of American Indian arts since 1985, I've answered questions regarding cultural property issues, origins of traditional crafts, materials and techniques, collecting, authenticity, symbols and, of course, repairs!
Experience My primary focus is on Southwester American Indian Nations and their people, but I also have experience in Plains and Northeastern traditions, having engaged in active trade and retail since 1985 and study for most of my life.
Publications I was a guest on Fox Network "Lifestyles" program, during the 1990s, to discuss how to tell forgeries, and authenticating jewelry as Native American work. I have also written extensively for our website, www.kivatrading.com and our Ebay Store.
Expert: Richard Sutton Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: beaded basket
Question I have a hanging basket given to my Great Grandmother in 1860 by either the Lakotah or the Blackfeet indians. The beads are glass and range from 2 inches to 1/4 inch long. The basket is see through. It is not nor has ever been lined. It is for display rather than practical use. However, the string used to attach the beads is very fragile and needs to be replaced. Can you suggest someone who does this kind of work? Any ideas on where I can get this item valued? Thanks for any help
Answer Your item sounds very beautiful, and in my experience, very unusual -- in fact, I have never seen anything like it, although it is very hard to comment upon an handmade object without seeing it first hand. For conservation and restoration, you need to bring the item to someone with experience in the restoration of Plains beadwork. I would suggest a search through the Yellowpages in Rapid City, SD, for an established dealer in American Indian arts and crafts. Another resource is the Indian Arts & Crafts Association website, www.iaca.org/ Their member list would give you access to the most reputable dealers, by state.
Our primary restoration experience is with southwestern pottery and carvings, so we would not be my first choice to either appraise or conserve such an unusual and important item. I can tell you, however, that the choice of materials used in the restoration and the techniques involved will affect the resulting value. Adherence to original materials and techniques is very important to achieving the best results, so choose your conservator carefully! You may also wish to contact someone in the curatorial dept. of the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, for their opinions and recommendations.
