Description

Beadwork over the back of shoulders bears pattern combining dragon fly and U.S. flag motifs. Made in European style button-up jacket. Came from William Armstrong's collection. Armstrong (1822 – 1914), was an artist and close friends with William Napier and Humphrey Lloyd Hime, both members of the Red River Exploring Expeditions of 1857 and 1858. Hime was also a partner with Armstrong as owners of Armstrong, Beere & Hime, one of Canada's first photographic studios. Armstrong, however, may not have traveled beyond present-day Ontario until the early 20th century, so we can not be certain that he was the original collector, particularly of the Plains Indian objects.