On September 17, Hindman Auctions’ Native American Art auction achieved over $1 million. Strong engagement with beadwork, pottery and textiles drove remarkable results. The sale saw an outstanding sell-through rate of 93 percent and competitive bidding activity was seen throughout. Property from the Collection of Michelle Smith, Washington, D.C., the Mark and Linda Miller Collection, and the Collection of Bruce and Claire Montgomerie saw fantastic bidding engagement.

“We were absolutely thrilled to see the enthusiasm of the collecting community towards the sale,” shared Hindman’s Director of Native American Art Danica Farnand. "A particularly exciting lot, and a favorite of mine, were the Cheyenne possible bags. They are in near perfect condition and the color pallet used is stunning."

A matched pair of late 19th century Cheyenne beaded hide possible bags (lot 50) emerged as the top lot of the auction, selling for $31,250, more than triple the presale estimate. The bags are sinew sewn and beaded using colors of red white-heart, medium blue, greasy yellow, dark blue, and white. They were previously on view at the Heard Museum in Phoenix Arizona in 2017. Another beadwork highlight was an Ute beaded mountain lion hide bowcase and quiver (lot 66), which sold for a strong price of $22,500.

Other top lots included an Arapacho drawing, from the Vincent Price Ledger Book (lot 81), which realized $25,000, more than double its presale estimate. The drawing depicts a warrior on horseback with lance, charging a U.S. solder. A Navajo first phase silver and turquoise concha belt (lot 275) realized $22,500 against a presale estimate of $8,000-12,0000. An Anishinaabe birchbark canoe (lot 9) soared past its presale estimate of $1,000-1,500, ultimately selling for $12,500. A Zia polychrome pottery olla decorated with birds (lot 291) more than doubled its presale estimate, realizing $13,750.

Rugs also achieved top prices. A 19th century Navajo Late classic moki pattern rug (lot 179) exceeded its presale estimate of $14,000-18,000, selling for $20,000. Two Navajo late classic rugs (lot 182 and lot 177) also realized fantastic prices, selling for $11,875 and $11,250, respectively.

Bidding for the September 17 auction was available via absentee bid, by phone, and online through the Digital Bid Room, Hindman’s recently launched online and mobile bidding platform, and additional online bidding platforms. Hindman continues to welcome consignments for upcoming Native American Art auctions.