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Beaded sheath and antler knife handle / Terry Stevens

Essay/Description

Antler knife handle secured at the top with iron or steel. Beading on sheath: light blue field, geometric design in dark blue outline, green and red beads all surrounded by a border of white -- spot and lazy stitched. Red wool brass studs.

Most sheaths were made to match the shape of the blade, the most common blade form being curved on one end and straight on the other. The sheaths typically covered not only “the blade but also the majority of the handle,” which decreased the chance of the knife falling out or getting lost (Taylor 2001, 52). Quillwork and beadwork decorated the sheaths, and the designs used often signified the owner (Taylor 2001, 51-54).

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Title(s): 
Beaded sheath and antler knife handle
Creator(s): 
Terry Stevens (Subject)
Culture: 
Native American; Assinaboine
Date: 
1891
Period: 
Historic
Place: 
Fort Belknap, Montana, Great Plains, United States of America
Materials/Techniques: 
rawhide, beads, horn, wool, steel, brass
Dimensions: 
a- 16.5” L b- 14.75” L a- 2.25” W b- 4.5" W
Classification: 
Object Type: 
Accession No: 
84.2177a-b
Department: 
Not On View

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