Pouch

Datec. 1845

MediumBuffalo hide, pony beads, metal cones and horsehair

DimensionsOverall (Flap Closed): 4 1/2 × 16 1/4 in. (11.4 × 41.3 cm)

Object numberT0068

Credit LineGift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust

Photograph by John Bigelow Taylor, NYC

Label TextThe lack of pockets in Native garments helps to explain the development of a variety of bags and pouches. In the early nineteenth century, small multi-purpose pouches with long tapering flaps were worn on the belt by Native men on the northern and central Plains. (c.f. Wildschut and Ewers 1959, fig.37; Batkin 1995, p.31; Hind 1860, vol.2, p.128; Lanford 1980, p.36, fig.6; Lanford 1990, fig.33; Chronister 1990, p.4) Their elongated shape suggests that they replaced whole skins of small animals used as belt-pouches in former times. In the late 19th century pouches, such as the example illustrated here, went out of fashion, to be replaced by belt pouches with shorter and rounded flaps among the Lakota, Apsaalooke (Crow), and Plateau tribes. This particular pouch was formerly attributed to a Apsalooke origin, but the design in pony beadwork suggests a Tsitsistas/Suhtai (Cheyenne) or Inunaina (Arapaho) maker. (From the Catalog of the Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, 2nd ed.)
ProvenanceJ. Hoanwald, Illinois; William E. Channing, Santa Fe, New Mexico; Morning Star Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico
BibliographyW.E. Channing. 14 August 1993, lot 311.

W.E. Channing. 14 & 15 August 1993. [promotional mailing]

Vincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.148.

Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 142.

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