This envelope was made by Crow, identified by the designs, colors usage and how it was tied. Could date from 1890 to 1910. 11" x 22" x 3". Parfleche envelopes were made in pairs, two on a hide and painted identically, while the hide was still staked out on the ground. They were used to carry items, pemican, jerky for personnel items, could be either tied to side of pack animals or placed on travois in moving from camp to camp. The name parfleche refers to any accessory made of rawhide and decorated. The word comes from French fur traders, who coined the term from "parer" or "defend" and "fleche" or "arrow." Some parfleches are shaped into shields that can deflect arrows.
This envelope was made by Crow, identified by the designs, colors usage and how it was tied. Could date from 1890 to 1910. 11" x 22" x 3". Parfleche envelopes were made in pairs, two on a hide and painted identically, while the hide was still staked out on the ground. They were used to carry items, pemican, jerky for personnel items, could be either tied to side of pack animals or placed on travois in moving from camp to camp. The name parfleche refers to any accessory made of rawhide and decorated. The word comes from French fur traders, who coined the term from "parer" or "defend" and "fleche" or "arrow." Some parfleches are shaped into shields that can deflect arrows.