Presented in this lot are a Kiowa trade bead Strike-A-Light Bag and a beaded Awl Case, circa mid-1900s. Native Americans created and used Strike a Light Bags to carry their flints, steels and other items to start a fire. They often decorated their bags with beads and porcupine quills. They included a small handle or strap so they could hang it from their belt or sash. Awl cases were used by the Central and Northern Plains Indians. These cases were made by winding or wrapping beads around a tubular shaft, made originally of rawhide/parfleche, and often adorned with suspensions. Few cases and collections have the original bone or steel awl remaining, as these were usually parted long ago. These cases were hung on women’s belts, even after the use of the awl had diminished, as a representation of women’s traditional gear and work. These pieces show intricate beadwork displaying geometric patterns arranged in seed beads of red, opaque white, corn yellow, orange, periwinkle, royal blue, plum, and translucent black seed beads. Crow beads of blue, yellow, orange and red as tassels separated by bone hairpipes and finished with stamped jingles, red rondelle trade and opaque seed beads along the borders. Sinew stitched with leather thong carrying straps. Both pieces are in very good condition, no obvious bead loss or marring noted. Bag measures 3.5"W x 4.75"L extending to 12.5"L including carrying strap and jingles. Awl case is 1.25"W x 6.5"L extending to 14"L including carrying strap and jingles.

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