Early 19th C Lakota Sioux Hand Painted Parfleche Pouch in Custom Display Frame

Details

Description

Early 19th C Lakota Sioux Hand Painted Parfleche Pouch in Custom Display Frame

Description

A rare and finely preserved Native … Read more Early 19th C Lakota Sioux Hand Painted Parfleche Pouch in Custom Display Frame

Description

A rare and finely preserved Native American painted parfleche pouch, attributed to the Lakota (Sioux) tribe, dating to the early 19th century. Parfleche objects were crafted from untanned buffalo rawhide that was soaked, scraped, stretched, and dried to create a lightweight yet durable surface, then painted with mineral-based pigments in bold geometric designs. These containers were essential to Plains tribes for carrying personal items and small necessities.

This example features polychrome geometric decoration on painted hide, including a rich red ground with yellow diamond motifs and contrasting triangular border elements outlined in blue and black pigment. The pouch retains its original leather thong closure accented with a single red glass bead. Wear and patina are consistent with age and use, adding to its authenticity and historical character.

The pouch is professionally presented in a custom wood display frame with a mirrored background, allowing for full viewing while offering protection and an elegant presentation. The display frame functions as a shelf-style case suitable for wall mounting or tabletop display, making it ideal for collectors, designers, or museums seeking a compact yet visually striking Plains artifact.

Small-format parfleche pouches from this early period are particularly scarce, as most surviving examples date to the mid-to-late 19th century. This piece stands out for its scale, strong graphic composition, and presentation-ready format.

Details

Origin: Plains Region, United States
Tribe: Lakota (Sioux), attributed
Period: Early 19th Century
Materials: Painted buffalo rawhide, natural mineral pigments, leather thong, glass bead
Pouch Dimensions:
4" H x 4.25" W (excluding straps)
Display Frame Dimensions:
11.125" H x 11.125" W x 3.125" D
Display Frame: Wood with mirrored background
Style: Native American, Tribal, Americana, Museum Display

Condition
Good antique condition with vivid remaining pigment, wear commensurate with age and use, including edge wear, minor surface losses, staining, and patina. The custom display frame is in good condition.

Notes

This item is offered as a historical and collectible artifact. **Please note I have four additional antique parfleche pouches/bags available from a single collection of Native American museum artifacts recently acquired at an estate sale in Orange County, California. This is the first time they have been available to purchase in over 50 years. See less