Native American, western United States, Plains Indians, probably Nez Perce ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine parfleche bag of rectangular form and impressive size, handmade from cow hide and skillfully hand-painted in hues of cobalt, emerald, crimson, and marigold. The brilliant pigments adorn the front of the bag, creating a lovely, abstract design of triangular and rhomboid motifs, as well as horizontal and vertical striations. These decorative patterns often represent mountains, rivers, or have a spiritual significance. The painted side of the satchel opens via a pair of front flaps that meet in the middle and are tied with a slender leather strap. An additional leather strap at the top allows the parfleche to be suspended. Parfleches like this example were almost exclusively made by women and used as lightweight and weather-proof containers for personal items and food stuffs, such as dried meats, dried cherries, fat back and peppermint leaves, often stored for long times as emergency rations. Size: 27.9" L x 12.4" W (70.9 cm x 31.5 cm)

The name "parfleche" was initially used by French fur traders and derives from the French language "parer" meaning "to parry" or "to defend" and "fleche" meaning "arrow." Different Indigenous peoples have their own names for these packages.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Arlington, Virginia, USA collection

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#167599

Some expected surface wear, commensurate with age and use. Otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive remaining pigments.