"Old Diggers" Beads

[T Witko]

"Old Digger's" Beads

Hello all, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything (it’s still winter here and still no hunting) but I thought some might find this interesting.
A week or so back our friend Dennis (Old Digger) sent me a package with some very nice examples of artifacts and materials from the areas he hunts. Thank you very much Dennis. Also included was a some examples of trade beads that he found some time ago. As I got to looking at the beads more closely, I got to wondering how close they were to beads on the very old beaded pouch with quill work (parafleche ?) that I’ve had for many years. Here’s what I found. Isn’t it funny how things sometimes come full circle?

Along with this pouch were two paintings on muslin type cloth. Both paintings are of a society ceremony taking place. On one of the paintings was the name “Tatonka Witko” (Fool Bull) which is where my “T Witko” tNet name came from. I got this stuff at an auction sale in 1971 - dollar for the box bid.

Again, thank you Dennis for sharing some of you finds with me, it is appreciated. I really enjoy seeing the variety of materials but I gotta say, I think the beads are my favorite.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[T Witko]

I thought since I mentioned them I should post these also.

 

[old digger]

Looks like they match perfectly! (photo #2)

 

[larson1951]

Looks like they match perfectly! (photo #2)

they sure do!

 

[flintdigger]

Very interesting

 

[kuger]

.....yep,when I lived at Crow Agency I learned how to do bead work......since it wasnt safe for my white azz to be out after dark!!!

 

[tomclark]

Old Digger is Good People!!

 

[old digger]

Old Digger is Good People!!

Thank You all for the kind complements!

 

[NC field hunter]

Old Digger is Good People!!

You know what Tom? To see you post this made my day. So often we will take the time to pick at another's flaws. (me included) to see you post such a compliment in so few, but such powerful words tells me that you ain't half bad either. When I was a new member, Old Digger and I had a rocky start. If I were Digger, I would probably still avoid me. Instead, he took time to explain his position and let me know he wasn't trying to make me feel dumb or unwanted. If not for digger, I would have left T-net after my third post. That is the honest truth. Now that I have been here a little while, I understand the "head bangs". Lol! They used to make me sooo mad. Thanks Digger! I'm glad you made a peaceful approach, explaining that the head bangs were not intended to hurt my feelings. You are a great guy!!

 

[T Witko]

Looks like they match perfectly! (photo #2)

They sure do and, I know it doesn't show in the photos, but the red beads on the pouch are translucent - the ones you sent are also.

And I absolutely agree with the comments in this post from our friends "Good People".

 

[old digger]

Rather ironic! that they perfectly match. I was considering to replicating a Medicine bag, or such with some of the beads that I have left. So Kelly, do you think that I should try that, or should I leave them be as is? If I do, do you have any suggestions on a design? Thanks!

 

[T Witko]

Rather ironic! that they perfectly match. I was considering to replicating a Medicine bag, or such with some of the beads that I have left. So Kelly, do you think that I should try that, or should I leave them be as is? If I do, do you have any sugge
stions on a design? Thanks!

I think using some to decorate a pouch of some sort would be a great way to display them. It seems that you have quite a few, so I would pick out the 3 or 4 colors that are most plentiful and then try too come up with a design with them.

 

[larson1951]

Rather ironic! that they perfectly match. I was considering to replicating a Medicine bag, or such with some of the beads that I have left. So Kelly, do you think that I should try that, or should I leave them be as is? If I do, do you have any suggestions on a design? Thanks!

i like your idea
it would be good to do something withem
you could do other things also
if you do it sure won't hurt the beads any

Old Digger is Good People!!

i agree

 

[old digger]

So, if I do a project, and I run out on a certain color bead then I can get a few back? ''Darn Indian Giver''

 

[T Witko]

So, if I do a project, and I run out on a certain color bead then I can get a few back? ''Darn Indian Giver''

lol - sure, you sent me quite a few. It's great to have a few that I can display with my pouch, but if you need some back for your project, they're yours.

 

[old digger]

lol - sure, you sent me quite a few. It's great to have a few that I can display with my pouch, but if you need some back for your project, they're yours.

Sorry, but could not do that, but thank you. I should have enough.