Century-old Native American artifact dropped off at Goodwill
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SEATTLE -- Someone recently donated an old vest to Goodwill, and while that could happen everyday, this one was unusual.
By old, we mean a century old. It's a beaded Native American vest that's so valuable, Goodwill couldn't bear to sell it.
Instead, the non-profit decided to make its own donation. Now, curators from the Burke Museum are analyzing the vest.
It's an exquisitely detailed piece from the early 1900s. Everything from the color of the beads to the geometric designs to the velvet lining is a clue pointing to the vest's history.
"Whoever gave it to Goodwill probably knew more about it. They probably knew their grandfather got it while on a train ride through Glacier. That's the kind of information we'd love to have," said Robin Wright, Curator of Native American Art.
The vest was inside a trunk, donated to Goodwill in 2006. Someone recognized its value, and instead of going up for sale, the vest went into storage.
Katherine Boury of Goodwill explained, "We have to make the decision, what's the best use of the donation. In this case because it's of cultural significance, it seems it would be best to be accessible to everyone."
Assessors pinpointed it as Native American work from the northern plains.
"There's been some discussion with various experts about which particular tribe and we're not able to say precisely which tribe it might be," said Wright.
It might have been regalia for a pow wow, but at some point, it seems it was sold to a tourist.
Written on the lining - a price tag of $18 - for a vest that probably took several months to make. There is no price on the vest now, and while there are still questions about where it came from, there's no question where it's going.
The museum will keep the vest in its collection for the public to see and treasure.
Do you think you have an artifact in your home? Take up to three objects to the annual Artifact ID Day at the Burke on Feb. 9.
By old, we mean a century old. It's a beaded Native American vest that's so valuable, Goodwill couldn't bear to sell it.
Instead, the non-profit decided to make its own donation. Now, curators from the Burke Museum are analyzing the vest.
It's an exquisitely detailed piece from the early 1900s. Everything from the color of the beads to the geometric designs to the velvet lining is a clue pointing to the vest's history.
"Whoever gave it to Goodwill probably knew more about it. They probably knew their grandfather got it while on a train ride through Glacier. That's the kind of information we'd love to have," said Robin Wright, Curator of Native American Art.
The vest was inside a trunk, donated to Goodwill in 2006. Someone recognized its value, and instead of going up for sale, the vest went into storage.
Katherine Boury of Goodwill explained, "We have to make the decision, what's the best use of the donation. In this case because it's of cultural significance, it seems it would be best to be accessible to everyone."
Assessors pinpointed it as Native American work from the northern plains.
"There's been some discussion with various experts about which particular tribe and we're not able to say precisely which tribe it might be," said Wright.
It might have been regalia for a pow wow, but at some point, it seems it was sold to a tourist.
Written on the lining - a price tag of $18 - for a vest that probably took several months to make. There is no price on the vest now, and while there are still questions about where it came from, there's no question where it's going.
The museum will keep the vest in its collection for the public to see and treasure.
Do you think you have an artifact in your home? Take up to three objects to the annual Artifact ID Day at the Burke on Feb. 9.
I researched a beaded dress some years ago with similar geometric design and "pink" beads like on this vest.
Took a year to identify and concluded it was from Idaho, Paloose, perhaps. Dress went to Skinners in Boston.
I did not own it, it was from an estate of a woman who had lived in Seattle as a child and was presented with
it around 1905-ish. I hope whomever bought it donated it to a museum, priceless.
How exciting! it is not often artifacts turn up in such good condition. Hopefully GW will get it to the correct people.
I imagine it must have a very smoky odor.
How long before one of the tribes demand it be handed over to them?
 @Shelly So what would be wrong with that? The family didn't want it, or realize the historical value and gave it away. It is awesome that Goodwill realized that it was a valuable piece of area history. To reiterate, its value is predominately historical. The passing down of skills from the elders to the children is where the value lies. Not everything in this world is a matter of the US dollar.
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 @the unvarnished truth There were a number of tribes in the Seattle area as well as clear across this country, that is why they are referred to as Native Americans. Why do you think there are so many cities and towns in Washington with names like, Puyallup, Chinook, Chehalis, Spokane, Nisqually, Yakima and Walla Walla, etc.? These are tribal names from the areas former (or current) inhabitants. Check your history books and learn the facts. BTW there are 29 reservations in the state of Washington at this time, so yes, there still are Native Americans living there.
Kudos to Goodwill for getting this right. It's sad for the family that didn't realize what was in that old trunk. But it's now in a better, safer, respectful place.