Plains Arapaho Indian Deer Hide Bag

20th Century

10" H x 8.25" L x 5.375" W

Hand Crafted from Deer Hide with Deer Dew Claws, Colored Porcupine Quills, Multi Color Beads, Shells, Shell Beads, Metal Beads and Bells, Tin Cones Dangles (for jingling fringes) and a Log Strap Handle

In Very Good Condition

Traditional Plains Arapaho deer hide bags are beautiful examples of Native American craftsmanship from the Arapaho people, a nomadic tribe of the Great Plains (historically in areas like Wyoming, Colorado, and Oklahoma). The Arapaho, divided into Northern and Southern groups, relied heavily on animal hides—especially deer (brain-tanned or buckskin) for soft, supple items and rawhide for stiffer containers.

Deer hide was prized for its softness and durability after tanning, making it ideal for personal pouches, while larger game like buffalo was often used for bigger items. These bags were typically made by women and served practical purposes in daily nomadic life, such as carrying personal items, tobacco, fire-starting tools (strike-a-light), paint, or pipes.