Parfleche c. 1910

pigment

pattern heavy

natural stone pattern

decorative element

pigment

decorative

hand-embroidered

embroidery

stoneware

repetition of pattern

united-states

pattern repetition

layered pattern

This c. 1910 parfleche, a type of decorated hide container, is a striking example of Lakȟóta artistic expression. Painted in bright red, blue and yellow, the design features stylized floral motifs and geometric patterns, typical of the Hunkpapa Lakȟóta tradition. The parfleche would have been used for storing and transporting essential items, showcasing both practicality and aesthetic beauty. Its presence at the Minneapolis Institute of Art highlights the significant role of Indigenous art in American cultural heritage.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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It is unusual for pictorial decoration to appear on rawhide containers; only a few exist that were created in later years. This object shows a chokecherry leaf and berry indicating that the container was possibly used for gathering chokecherries, an important ingredient for preparing food among Plains Indian cultures. The berry was often used in pemmican, a mixture of dried meat, berries, and fat that was easily stored and transported; it provided a significant amount of nutrition for Plains people, particularly in the winter months. In addition, women of some tribes used chokecherry juice to size their rawhide containers, which protected the rawhide from wear and exposure to the elements. The painted design therefore reflects the container's function as well as the elements that went into its creation.