Hide Scraper Date Unknown

This hide scraper was made by Ka'igwu, a Kiowa artist, using bone, stone, and sinew. At first glance, it is easy to dismiss this object as a utilitarian tool, however, it carries a profound weight of cultural symbolism, and the collective memory of the Kiowa people. The scraper's bone handle speaks to the deep relationship between humans and animals; it acknowledges the necessity of taking life to sustain life. Bone, as a material, recurs across cultures as an emblem of strength and endurance. This connects us to ancient practices, such as the carving of tools and effigies from bone that served ritualistic purposes. Consider how, in different contexts, bones become relics, objects of reverence, carrying stories, and linking the past and present. This is not merely a tool, but a conduit to ancestral knowledge, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the intricate web of life and death, and the continuum of human experience. Its form resurfaces through time, bearing witness to our shared, evolving story.