Plains Indians, North America
Early 20th century
Skin, porcupine quills, beads, cloth, wood and steel
Knife length: 37 cm
Scabbard length: 32 cm (without bangs)
Knife with beveled blade and handle with two polylobed wooden plates riveted with copper. These types of knives were generally made in England or Scotland, and were used as gifts for Indian customers in the fur trade.
The hide scabbard is richly decorated on the front with polychrome porcupine quillwork pigmented in blue, yellow and red. The border is enlivened by a frieze of glass beads and long skin bangs.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
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