Happy May Day!
Montana-Made: Hunkpapa Sioux & Lakota Parfleche Medicine Bags!
French Fur Traders coined these as parfleche, which is derived from the French word "parer" meaning defend and "flèche" meaning arrow, due to the quality and strength of the rawhide being tough enough to deflect arrows when crafted into a shield! Traditionally attributed to the northern Plains Indians, these bags were made in many sizes & different shapes to transport tools, clothing, food, arrows and treasures. They were most commonly made in pairs and hung from saddles.
Smaller parfleche were shaped by folding the hides into envelopes, resembling a common day wallet, then decorated with brightly colored geometrical patterns. The distinctive graphic artwork often symbolized mountain & river landscapes which were believed to have served as maps! In contemporary usage, these designs can carry social, spiritual, tribal, and symbolic meaning and the bags may be worn or carried as part of a ceremony, dance or parade.
Beautifully handcrafted by my friend from Montana, these medium size personal parfleche bags can be worn as a necklace, attached to a belt, or hung on display.
View them in my Etsy Shop!
