Indian Ceremonial Dance Stick Coyote Skull Fur Elk Leather Beads Bells Feathers

Description

I have been a life long collector of Native American items.  I purchased this ceremonial dance stick in 1994 from Gray Wolf in Scottsdale, Az.  The dance stick itself is finely done and is adorned with a coyote skull painted with six eagle feathers and a cross. On the nose of the skull is a small medicine bag with fringe hanging down the front.  The jaw has two wild turkey feathers tied to it.  On both sides, attached to the eye sockets, are tassels with 3 brass hawk bells, a slice of elk horn, four brass beads and long fringe.  The stick is wrapped with trade cloth on one side of the beaded area and a leather strip on the other.  The middle is beaded with yellow, red, dark blue and turquoise glass seed beads.  The back end of the stick is curved around a medicine wheel which has two large brass hawk bells with two turkey feathers hanging from the center on one side and a hank of palomino horse hair tied to the other side.  The fur fluffs are coyote and I'm guessing the tail is coyote also.  The stick comes with a photo of the maker along with his hand written note of what he used to make it.
Dancing was always an important part of Native American life not only for entertainment and storytelling, but also for more serious purposes such as war, hunting, healing, honor or spiritual life.  A successful dance was made up of different elements such as drums, flutes, chants, costumes and the Dance Stick.  Dance sticks were crafted by nearly all Native American tribes and were an integral part of each specific dance.  They varied in design depending on the purpose of the dance. Generally,they were made of a length of wood with an antler or skull attached to the end.  Animal skulls and dried animal parts, such as feet and heads were used for embellishments.  Feathers were attached to represent prayers to the Great Spirit.  Hair from the mane or tail of a horse was attached to make sure prayers from the warrior went directly to the horse.  Dance sticks were held in high regard and were passed down from generation to generation.
Measurements:  Overall length is 36" x 5" wide x 10" deep
Skull is 8 1/2" long x 3 3/4" wide x 4 1/4" deep
Front Feathers are 11" long  Back Feathers are 8" long
Fur patches are 4 1/2" and 3 1/2"  Tail is 12" long
Medicine Wheel is 6 1/2" round
Horsehair is generally 15" long
Indian artifacts are an investment in enjoyment to last a lifetime.
Questions??? Please ask before purchasing to avoid any misunderstandings.  Thanks for looking and I do consider all offers.
Comes from a smoke free home  -  mine.