Up for sale is a beautiful, cohesive collection of four original 19th-century disbound antique book plates documenting Native American cultural history and North American indigenous archaeology. These crisp, detailed line-engraved illustrations offer a fascinating look into early historical documentation.
This thematic 4-page collector's lot includes:
1. "IROQUOIS" Portrait Plate: A full-length rendering of an Iroquois warrior in traditional attire holding a decorated hatchet/tomahawk against an open landscape.
2. "CANOES AND CRADLES" Plate: Showcases two distinct native bark canoe constructions alongside detailed illustrations of indigenous papoose cradleboards with infant swaddling.
3. "ANCIENT EARTHWORKS" Plate: An interesting lithographed plan printed in a deep green tint depicting ancient Mississippian or Hopewell burial mounds and earthwork geometric designs.
4. "WISCONSIN HEIGHTS" Plate: A scenic landscape illustration documenting the historic geological terrain associated with Native American regional history.
Item Details:
- Era: 19th Century (Circa 1850s–1880s)
- Subject: Native American History / Indigenous Archeology / Ethnographic Art
- Medium: Original antique book-plate engravings/lithographs
- Condition: Authentic antique condition. The pages feature a lovely natural cream age-toning. Margins show standard minor edge fraying, small corner chips, and light handling wear from being bound. The central imagery on all four pieces is entirely clean, distinct, and complete. Unbacked sheets ready for individual framing or portfolio display.
An exceptional, instant collection perfect for history educators, collectors of native tribal ephemera, or unique rustic gallery wall framing.