Diamond-shaped breastplate painted with gold. Cross-shaped metalwork at centre, with five inset polished oval reddish-brown carnelian(?) stones, one at each end of the cross and one at the centre. Around the cross is a diamond-shaped band composed of small plaited chains of metal, then a row of small inset polished circular reddish-brown stones, and then a band around the outer edge of two plaited chains with a snaking line between. At the top is a small hooked attachment. Top edges decorated with attached triangular clover-shaped metal pieces. Bottom edge has a fringe of chains with diamond-shaped ornaments at the end. There are eight tassels, one on each side with two more hanging from long plaited fibres, and two more near the bottom edge. Each tassel composed of a metal cap, from which diamond ornaments hang from S-hooks around the edge, and dark green, dark pink, or dark eggplant purple fibre hangs from underneath with small white beads at the end.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Axel Rasmussen Collection. Collected: Axel Rasmussen

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

This man's breast plate has nine, carved flat, shell bead strands across the chest centered with a blue faceted glass bead. This is then held by a raw, hide, thin band that goes all around. This is studded with small brass buttons. Ten rawhide cords are along the sides for tying on and two at the top.

The breastplate is rectangular in shape with two fluted bone sections flanking a small center section of beads that continues upward in a circle forming a hole for the neck. Attached to each side of this neckband is a string of beads that connects to the sides of the breastplate. Leather ties, sparse fringe, and metal "hawk" bells dangle from each side of the breastplate. Culture is northern Plains, possibly Dakota, or Lakota Sioux, CONDITION: Surface is without visible damage. Hide fringe is worn, and some beads show wear and scuffing. One of the bells on the fringe is also flattened. Also tagged as X2000.1660

One-piece breastplate and apron of a Tungurahua style Corpus Christi dancer's costume is made of pieces of red material, sewn onto backing of scraps of beige, floral and green scraps, fringed with red wool, and bordered with a woven purple band that ends tied around the neck. Hand stitched into the red velvet, in different coloured wools, are floral motifs and the date "1964". In the centre of the chest area is tied a wooden cow, covered with silver foil and red/floral material to which are attached various beads and metal objects.

Breastplate from a Corpus Christi dancer's costume. Made of two pieces of cardboard that have been sewn together, covered with scraps of yellow, green, orange and beige material, fringed with orange, maroon, and beige wool, and decorated with turquoise, purple, and green ribbon. In the centre of each panel, paper appliqués of flowers, leaves, a bird, and stars have been stitched over with silver thread and coloured wool.