Rare Old Studded Leather Dance Belt with 35 Bells and Thundrbirds

Description

Rare old museum quality ceremonial studded dance belt with 35 lashed old bells.
Believed to be Native American in origin because of the style of the ferrous bells and the thunderbird studs. Not sure of age or origin.
Two handmade square zinc or zinc coated brass fasteners/buttons at one laced end and lacing on the other. Nickel over brass studs in half moon and star patterns at each end. Three original plated ferrous thunderbird studs arranged in center of belt. See back side showing the peening over of all studwork. Two upper corner old plated brass thunderbirds with turquoise cabochons were added and not original to the belt.
All dark brown leather (guess to be Buffalo) and end lashings are original. Bells and two corner thunderbirds were re-lashed with strong kangaroo lacing. Original disintegrated pieces of removed leather bell lashings will be included in sale. Believed to be a rare museum quality artifact. Brass wire added on back was threaded through lashings to stiffen the supple belt for horizontal display – can be removed if displayed vertically. No negligible odor. Also, from smoke free home. Makes a wonderful jingling sound when moved.
Approx. 33” L x 8” W
I do my best to describe my listings carefully. Please ask any question prior to purchasing, I am a small collector and do not accept returns.  Since this is such a special, unique find,
Seller will consider a reasonable offer.