Circa: Late 19th Century (1870�1890)
Origin: Central Plains (Attributed to Sioux / Lakota or Cheyenne)
Materials: Native-tanned hide, glass trade seed beads, natural animal sinew.
An exceptional and well-preserved example of 19th-century Plains Indian craftsmanship. This utility pouch, likely a Medicine Pouch or Strike-A-Light bag, is constructed from traditional "brain-tanned" hide, showcasing the soft, sueded texture and rich honey-toned patina indicative of genuine historical use.
The pouch features meticulous lane-stitch (lazy-stitch) beadwork, a hallmark of Central Plains tribes. The geometric design is executed in period-correct glass trade seed beads, featuring a vibrant "Cobalt Blue" and a soft "Chalk White."
Close-up analysis confirms the use of natural animal sinew for all stitching. Unlike modern thread, the sinew has "bitten" into the hide over the last 140+ years, keeping the beadwork remarkably secure.
The pouch retains its original hand-cut buckskin thong closure, threaded directly through the native-tanned flap. The edges are finished with a protective wrap-stitch beaded binding.
The undecorated reverse highlights the organic variations and authentic wear of the hide, including minor surface darkening from honest field use.
Measures 3 3/4" wide and 5" tall, when flap is up.
The hide remains supple and structurally sound with no dry rot or significant cracking. The beadwork is approximately 98% intact, with only negligible loss at the high-wear edges. The original sinew stitching remains tight throughout. The piece exhibits a desirable, undisturbed patina.
All-original, with no repairs.
Guaranteed to be antique, and not a modern reproduction.
