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Parfleche envelope
Native American, Lakota (Sioux)
about 1860–80
Object Place: South Dakota, United States, Plains
Medium/Technique
Bison rawhide, pigment
Dimensions
5.08 x 34.92 cm (2 x 13 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Linda and Charles Nichols in tribute to unnamed Native artists
Accession Number1995.147
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsPersonal accessories
DescriptionPale hide ground. Appears to be a long rectangle folded to be secured in the center of the front, where it is tied with three leather thongs. Painting is composed of four rectangular passages with elongated red diamonds. White diamonds surrounds red, blue ground with two red bars at each end completes rectangle. Four passages are borded by a wide predominately mustard band, striped on each side by narrow red band. White triangle surrounded by blue triangle interspaced within mustard band. Blue framing line continues around parfleche to reverse. Black outlining thoughout.
ProvenanceSaid to have been purchased by a Mr. Peterson, Portland, OR [see note]; to his wife, Marsella Peterson; given by Marsella Peterson to Walter Earl, Antique Gallery, Anchorage, AK; 1995, sold by Antique Gallery to Linda and Charles Nichols, Newport, RI; 1995, gift of Linda and Charles Nichols to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 21, 1995)
NOTE: According to Antique Gallery, a collector and member of the Oregon legislature. His wife gave the collection to Walter Earl to disperse.
NOTE: According to Antique Gallery, a collector and member of the Oregon legislature. His wife gave the collection to Walter Earl to disperse.