Fashion & Costume · 18th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Both prints are well-preserved, with strong plate impressions and crisp details. Light toning and minor edge wear are consistent with age.
This exceptional pair of antique copperplate engravings, published in 1757 in *Histoire Générale des Voyages*, presents an intricate study of Native American adornments, ceremonial attire, and accessories. These rare prints document feathered headdresses, belts, beaded aprons, and necklaces made of shells, beads, and animal teeth, offering a unique insight into Indigenous craftsmanship and cultural expressions.
The first engraving, titled 'Différents Atours dont les Indiens se parent dans leurs Danses', highlights elaborate feathered bonnets (Bonnets de Plume), a richly textured woven apron (Couyou ou Tablier Indien), and patterned textiles, likely worn for ceremonial or ritualistic occasions. The detail in the featherwork and weaving showcases the highly skilled artistry of Indigenous artisans.
The second engraving, 'Suite des Atours des Indiens', features a series of belts, girdles, and necklaces, including meticulously arranged feathered sashes, netted beadwork, and striking necklaces made of teeth, likely signifying status, achievements, or spiritual beliefs. The careful engraving technique uses fine hatching to create depth and texture, making each element highly realistic.
These plates serve not only as ethnographic records but also as artistic representations of Native American material culture as seen through European eyes in the 18th century. A must-have for collectors of early travel accounts, Native American history, or antique engravings.
Condition: Both prints are well-preserved, with strong plate impressions and crisp details. Light toning and minor edge wear are consistent with age.
Matting & Framing Tips: For a striking display, pair these engravings in a double-frame setup or place them side by side with matching matting. A neutral or earth-toned mat will enhance their authenticity, while a dark wood or antique gold frame will complement their historical character.
