Parfleche
Parfleche (French; loose translation “to deflect arrows”) were rawhide containers made by the women of the camp. They were reserved to house ceremonial items or long term food storage. These cases were usually made in pairs and were notoriously difficult to produce.
First, the hide had to be fleshed (removal of tissue and fat). Then, the woman would plan out her design and draw it or score it onto that side of the hide. Next, she would turn it over to the hair side and use a blunt heavy object such as a shoulder blade, to beat the hair off. This would crush the hair follicles deep into the hide; releasing their natural oil. This process would water proof the hide. Once this was done she would turn the hide back to the patterned side, paint in her design, and cut it out. Next, would come the folding or stitching of the container. Each woman had her own design which would allow her to distinguish her cases from others in the camp.
The process of making these cases was so labor intensive that in some Native languages the same word for parfleche also means “work”.
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Parfleche Flute Case: Horse
$160.00
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Parfleche Handbag: Cheyenne Style
$300.00
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Parfleche Envelope: Floral Design
$250.00
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Parfleche Envelope Set
$336.00
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Parfleche Envelope Case: Large
$736.00
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