Plateau Parfleche Medicine Pouch

Plateau medicine parfleche pouch/packet made over from larger parfleche. Original packet was made for own use and carried horizontal on the saddle. Note: extra holes towards top harness leather handle. The term parfleche was first coined by the French fur traders and derived from the French word “parer” meaning defend and “fleche” meaning arrows, as the hide was tough enough to be used as a shield and deflect an arrow. The original containers had graphics that were maps, geographical depictions such as rivers and mountains, or symbols that told the family’s stories. Once the parfleche left the family, the story was lost and the parfleche became Native American art rather than a meaningful storyteller.

PERIOD: Late 19th Century

ORIGIN: Plateau - Unknown, Native American

SIZE: 11" x 12"