Čhánwak’in oźúha (Saddle bag)
Late 1800s to early 1900s
Lakota Artist
Lakota (Sioux)
Leather, wool, brass bells, and glass beads
The Caroline Boeing Poole Collection, gift of Colonel John Hudson Poole
@theautry ; 648.G.31
“A saddle bag lies across the rump of a horse and allows access via a slit on one side to a large pouch where one can store items. This type of item has a large area to decorate because of its size and visibility on a horse. The artist used white glass beads as a background and applied them using a technique known as lane stitching, which is indicative of the Lakota. What makes this bag exceptional is how she created abstract tipi designs, split into alternating red and blue, on the tipi itself and the flaps on top. She also incorporated a design within this design using yellow beads, which add texture and complexity to a work that is already quite complex. She certainly had full command of her craft and was well-versed in how to use color and design.”
-Jessa Rae Growing Thunder (
@jessaraegt )
Wókphan (Parfleche)
1880s
Lakota Artist
Lakota (Sioux)
Rawhide, paint, and leather
Purchased by The Southwest Museum Acquisition Fund
Autry Museum; 47.P.35A
“This painted rawhide container, commonly known as a parfleche, contributes to our understanding of how Lakota women used abstract design elements. This type of container is essentially two identical painted squares that form a rectangle. When this parfleche was created, the artist clearly understood how the repeating design would impact its aesthetic. Of course, the bonus of this item is that it is made of rawhide, which is extremely strong and durable, and would protect anything that was held inside.”
-Jessa Rae Growing Thunder
