Lakota beaded hide tobacco bag. Early 20th century. Sinew sewn beadwork in cobalt, green, orange, and black on a white field, framed by dyed hide fringe. Approx. 32 in. x 7 7/8 in.

The rectilinear shape of this bag suggests that it held tobacco and possibly a pipe, each of paramount social and spiritual importance to the Plains tribes. Smoking was viewed as a means of prayer, with the power to activate thoughts and blessings and to carry messages of gratitude to spirits outside of the human realm. Regularly used as part of ceremonial events, negotiations, or when undertaking new endeavors, smoking paraphernalia was decorated commensurately with its tribal significance.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Native Americans, Native American History, American Indian, Indian History]

Slightly damaged at lower left.