(See object on bottom of photograph) Central & Northern Plains Sioux people made awl cases by winding or wrapping beads around a tubular shaft, made originally of rawhide and later sometimes of cardboard. Few cases in collections have bone or steel awls in them. Some have pointed wooden sticks, which may have been used as hair-part painters. Depending on size, and evidence of paint remains, some of these may be paint stick holders. These cases were hung on women's belts long after the use of the awl had diminished a vestigial representation of women’s traditional gear. and traditional role. The small, faceted dark red translucent tube beads were very popular in the 1830-1870 period. The use of the Cornaline d’Aleppo beads, red with a yellow interior, makes this piece especially fine. Great as household object. The white beads are unusual.

Sioux womans beaded work bag.

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund

Hide tipi bag with beaded front design of crosses, centered in two turquoise bands edged with yellow. The sides have inset beadwork with tin cones inserted with red fabric tassels.

Gift of J.L. Greason

Cheyenne or Sioux tipi or possible bag because of the stripe quill pattern and Arapaho, Gros Ventre for the edges of the beadwork. It is a very nice example even if the flap isn't decorated. There is some yellow ochre rubbed into the hide. Venetian beads and sinew sewn.Tipi or possible bag beaded on one side with metal jingles, dyed horsehair decorations, dyed feathers, and porcupine quill decorations. Really nice example with intact quillwork.

Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund