Cherokee Pheasant Medicine Shield Mandella

This is a contemporary decorative wall hanging crafted in the style of a traditional Native American mandella or medicine shield. The central focal point is a ring-necked pheasant pelt, featuring vibrant copper, gold, and iridescent green plumage, mounted over a circular backing covered in thick, brown animal fur, likely rabbit. Hanging from the perimeter are multiple embellishments including long primary feathers (turkey or raptor-style), pheasant tail feathers with distinct barred patterns, and several strands of fine horsehair. The piece is further decorated with various beads in turquoise, red, and dark wood tones. A hand-written leather tag is attached at the bottom, identifying the piece as 'Cherokee Pheasant Mandella'. The construction utilizes natural materials tied with leather cordage. Overall, the piece appears in good vintage condition, with the feathers maintaining their structural integrity and natural sheen, though some light dust and minor shedding typical of natural fur and hair products are present. It serves as a decorative 'spirit shield' rather than a functional tribal artifact, dating likely to the late 20th century.

I have carefully examined the supplied images of the 'Cherokee Pheasant Medicine Shield Mandella.' This piece is a classic example of late 20th-century southwestern-style decorative art, often sold in gift shops or trading posts. My visual assessment confirms it is in good vintage condition; the pheasant pelt retains excellent iridescence, and the rabbit fur backing shows minimal thinning. The construction, utilizing leather cordage and commercial beads, is consistent with non-ceremonial 'spirit shields' intended for home decor. While the tag claims 'Cherokee' origin, this refers to the style and artisan claim rather than a verified antique tribal artifact. In the current secondary market, specifically through online auctions and regional estate sales, these items are common. Comparable sales for pheasant mandellas of this size and complexity typically fall between $100 and $250. The value is driven by the aesthetic appeal of the plumage rather than historical rarity. However, it is important to note that without physical inspection, I cannot verify the specific species of the primary feathers, which must comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for legal resale. To transition this from a 'decorative' to a 'fine art' valuation, I would require provenance documentation proving the artist's enrollment in a federally recognized tribe under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. A physical examination would also be required to check for hidden pest damage within the fur backing and to confirm the attachment methods of the horsehair and leather.