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A beaded knife sheath and metal knife with a wood handle / Native American; Plains

Essay/Description

A beaded knife sheath and metal knife with a wood handle. All beading done with lazy stitch.

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): 
A beaded knife sheath and metal knife with a wood handle
Culture: 
Native American; Plains
Date: 
late 19th century
Period: 
Historic
Place: 
Great Plains, United States of America
Materials/Techniques: 
leather, glass, sinew, wood, metal
Classification: 
Object Type: 
Accession No: 
84.776a-b
Previous Number(s): 
84.776 a-b; 84.776 a&b
Department: 
Not On View

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