E0165: Native American- Parfleche

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0165

Classification Category:

3:Personal Artifacts ➞ Personal Gear

Materials:

animal ➔ hide/skin ➔ rawhide
fabric ➔ cloth
colorant ➔ paint

Dimensions:

27.5 cm L
25 cm W

Provenance of Object:

This object was held in the museum that Luther College started in 1877. This museum eventually grew into the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, and following this, non-Norwegian American ethnographic objects were returned to Luther and accessioned into the college’s Anthropology Collection. Without additional documentation, was likely obtained by the Luther College Museum (later the Norwegian-American Museum) between the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Use/Function:

Probably used by women for food gathering or carrying personal items (Torrance 65).

Source Locality:

USA

Description:

A Native American parfleche, which is hide (normally buffalo's) that is dried by being stretched. This one is made into a flat case/pouch with one panel folded over the top of the other to create a flap. It is painted with lots of colors and shapes.

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