Rosebud Sioux, South Dakota
AmericanKnife Scabbard, ca. 1875
On view
Deerskin, commercial leather, glass beads, and tin cones
Dimensions9 3/4 × 2 3/4 in. (24.8 × 7 cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pohrt, 1985.94
The knife case served as a practical container for a butcher knife, which was used for eating, skinning hides, camp activities, and protection. The elaborate decoration with glass beads transformed it into a clothing accessory. Small metal cones were made from castoff tobacco tins, which created a pleasant jingling sound as the wearer moved.
