Nellie Two Bear Gates
Nellie Two Bears Gates was a Native American artist whose beadwork depicted Yanktonai Dakota history and culture. She created beaded suitcases and valises and gave them as gifts. Now they are on display in various collections in the US. Gates was one of the most accomplished bead workers of her time. She created many other objects to honor meaningful events in her family history.
Nellie Gates created today's case for her daughter Josephine as a gift upon her graduation from the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. On one side, she beaded the deeds of her father (Two Bear) in the 1863 Battle of White Stone Hill. On the reverse, she created images of the Yanktonai and Lakota last big buffalo hunt in 1882.
Beautiful, isn't it? We present today's masterpiece as part of our celebrations of Women's History Month. :)
P.S. If you'd like to give your loved ones such an artistic gift, you should visit our DailyArt Shop, where you can buy beautifully crafted, art-inspired items (now up to 25% off!).
P.P.S. Joan Hill was probably the most famous female Native American artist. See her paintings rooted in her Native American ancestry.