Northern Plains Quirt, circa 1860
An elk antler quirt decorated with incised blue and red lines, arranged in grouped chevrons. The top of the quirt is accented with red notch marks - possibly denoting "coup strikes". The lash consists of a long thong made from native tanned buffalo hide; it is looped through a wooden toggle and tied. At the base of the quirt, there is a wide wrist strap made from short fringed buffalo hide. The exterior is lined with Stroud. The wrist strap is secured by a short leather thong. Accompanying the quirt is a collection tag which reads, "Buffalo Bone / Handled Sioux / Indian Quirt / or riding whip / with (over); VERSO: “20 inch / Leather lesh / Decorated / bone 14 1/2" IN / long. Presented by / Robt. Utterback".
14.5” (quirt); 21” (lash); 7” (wrist strap); accompanying the quirt is a custom metal stand
#50798