The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art; Gift of the Native American Art Council.

Plains Indian people frequently made lightweight rawhide containers to hold a variety of objects. Flat envelopes and cylinders were the most common shapes, although the Lakota frequently made boxes. As part of their household duties, women laboriously made and decorated these containers from buffalo hide or cowhide that had been dried and scraped of their hair. Once the rawhide was processed, it was cut into a predetermined pattern and then folded and laced into shape. Painted geometric designs usually ornament the rawhide containers.

Museum Purchase: Indian Collection Subscription Fund, Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art.

Bequest of Miss Mary Forbush Failing.

Bequest of Miss Mary Forbush Failing.

Small sliver plated make-up box. Top has a fold up mirror, and connects when closed to the front with a decorative latch. Box holds two long thin drawers, the top of which (part b) comes out, and the bottom is stuck in place. Each has two leaf-shaped hanging handles on the front. Hanging bar handles protrude from the sides (one handle is missing, the other, part c, is loose). The sides and front of drawers are finely engraved with scenes of flowers, foliage and birds. The lid shows a scene of a man and woman embracing among trees and birds, surrounded by low trellises. Part d is a small brush with a thin silver handle and long stiff bristles. Part e is a varnished wooden comb with fine teeth and painted flowers and branches on its front.

Cylindrical cork container with plastic interior (a) and small threaded cap (b). There are three metal bands encircling the exterior of the container at the top, base and midpoint. There two metal loop fasteners opposite one another along the top metal band, possibly for attaching a strap or handle.

Cylindrical cork container (a) with light wood strap handle and lid (b) with an incised flower design. The exterior surface of the container is rough brown bark.