Plains Beaded Pipe Bag

ca. July 26, 1828

24" L x 7" W + 8" Fringe

Hand Crafted from Animal Hide and Adorned with Porcupine Quills and Glass Seed Beads in a Geometric Design in White, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Red and Green Colors with Pink and Blue on the Quills and 8 Metal Dangles with Purple Feathers and Hand Written with a Sharpie Pen on the Hide - O.B.J. Nah -Goey Hon. Chief of the Kiowas July 26, 1828

Excellent Condition

In Plains tribes, including the Kiowa, pipe bags (also called tobacco or medicine bags) were essential for men, symbolizing spiritual power and prestige. They were crafted by women using brain-tanned deerskin or buffalo hide, fringed with horsehair or leather, and decorated with glass seed beads (introduced via trade in the 19th century) or porcupine quills. Designs often featured geometric patterns representing natural elements like thunderbirds, clouds, stars, or tipis, conveying protection, strength, or clan identity. The bag's flap and long fringes allowed it to be worn over the shoulder or attached to a belt.