Traditionally, this style of knife sheath is referred to as a woman’s sheath. What makes this example remarkable is the fact that the sheath’s rawhide bodice is beaded, as opposed to painted. Most examples are either painted with a solid color like blue, red or green; or they are painted with a geometric design borrowed from parfleche painting traditions. In this instance, the female artist took a traditional parfleche design and instead beaded it, marking a significant contribution to Crow artwork. This rare and important feature was not lost on the many advanced collectors who have cumulatively served as the sheath’s custodian for well over a hundred years.

12.5” long and 4.5” wide (excl. drop)

Ex Joseph W. Keppler, NY (1872-1956); to George Heye and the Heye Museum, NY (“2/9521”, 1874-1957); to Milford Chandler, MI (“C-715”, 1889-1981); to Richard Pohrt Sr., MI.

PUBLISHED: Nina Sanders, ed., Apsáalooke: Women and Warriors (Chicago, IL: Neubauer Collegium, 2020), p. 65-66.

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