Tobacco bag, Plains Indians, North America, first third of the 20th century

TOBACCO BAG
Plains Indians, North America
First thirds of the 20th century
Skin, porcupine quills and glass beads
Height: 57 cm (excluding fringe); Width: 11.5 cm

A rectangular leather tobacco bag, finished with long, unfinished leather fringes. The lower section features, on one side, a frieze depicting an Indian chief on horseback wearing a long headdress; the other side displays a geometric frieze, both composed of polychrome glass beads assembled using the lazystich technique. The middle section is made of leather fringes covered with polychrome porcupine quills forming a geometric pattern.
The upper part, made of natural tanned leather, is bordered with a white frieze with red and blue sections, with short fringes.
A drawstring adorned with quills allows the bag to be closed.
Tobacco bags were used to store pipes, bowls, and tobacco. They were made by women.

Very good condition.

Ref.: 6392

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON