Dagger and sheath. The knife (part a) has a shiny steel blade, gently curved at bottom, ending in a sharp point, and with a central spine on both front and back. The hilt is made of horn, with a wide pommel narrowing to a thin grip. Two round brass seals decorate the pommel front and are attached by nails that pierce the horn and emerge from the back. Small metal protrusions embellish the front of the hilt as does a bottom encircling band. The sheath (part b) is made of yellow leather covered with thin strips of brown leather. Lines of small holes and incised ‘x’ shapes decorate the yellow leather. The main portion is slightly curved to accommodate the dagger’s blade, while the bottom turns dramatically upward. Red fabric lines the opening of the sheath.

String of 90 handmade beads, 81 brass and 9 copper. Each bead is barrel shaped, of similar size and shape but not identical. They are open on narrow ends. Each has a single horizontal slit where the metal was joined. The beads are strung on a piece of sinew.

Set of five costume bells. Parts d, e, and f are iron cow bells with wood clappers. Each has a wide top loop that connects it to its leather strap. Part d has a brass buckle in a chevron in shape, with a single remaining prong. Silver metal studs secure the strap’s loop, 3 both above and below the buckle. Part e has a square buckle square made of iron wire. Several belt holes are pierced into the strap, and two rusted studs hold it together at back. Part f has a wide leather strap, dark brown-yellow in colour. Its oval buckle with a central prong is made of thin metal wire. Three belt holes pierce the leather. Parts g and h are identical: each has a small brass bell, wider at base, with brass clappers. They are attached by a leather thong to a large, wide strap. Small, square brass buckles with a central prong close belt at front and back. The ends of the belt are cut into three wide fringes, with the central feeding into the buckles. Brass studs decorate the belt front and back above the buckles. (Also, see mask: 2956/202 a, and costume: 2956/202 b-c.)

Pair of costume bells on braided loops. Each round bell is shiny brass and flared at the bottom, with decorative rings carved on the outside. The clapper is a round brass ball attached on the inside by a thin metal hook. Each bell hangs by a steel loop on a thick cord of braided yellow synthetic fibre with red accents. The cord ends are unsealed and frayed. (Also, see mask: 2956/201 a, and costume: 2956/201 b-d.)

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Traditional Nez Perce culture places a great value on horses, and both horses and riders wear their finest trappings during parades held at annual encampments and celebrations. This beaded collar is meant to hang from a horse's neck. The beadwork is sewn onto the red wool cloth with an overlay stitch that alternates between horizontal and vertical orientation in the various design areas. The geometric design emphasizes elongated triangles and diamonds in colors of predominantly the same value. The subtle color shift in the blue background is unusual and provides an added feeling of dimension.

Museum Purchase: Indian Collection Subscription Fund, Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art.