Traditionally, Plains tribes recorded in pictorial style, life’s important occurrences on tipis and robes made of large animal hides such as buffalo and elk.

Today, painted buffalo, elk and deer hides, often brain tanned the traditional way and painted with natural pigments, make exquisite one-of-a-kind wall hangings and throws.

Parfleches were traditionally shaped from rawhide (buffalo, elk, later cow) and painted in bold, colorful patterns. These containers were the “luggage” of the nomadic tribes to transport their belongings. Today, parfleches can be used as both functional and decorative objects.
"Feather Circle with Morning Star"
Chris Wilson (Adopted Cheyenne)

Brain-Tanned and Smoked Elk, Natural Pigments, 56"x63"
"Prairie's Edge"
Travis Harden (Lakota/Hochunk)

Deer Hide, Acrylics, 30.5"x20.5"
"Flat Parfleche Bag"
Al Chandler (Gros Ventre)

Buffalo Rawhide, Natural Pigment, Trade Cloth, Deer Hide, 10.5"x30"
"Tribute to the Black Hawk"
Donald J. Cain (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) Assorted Parfleches made of Buffalo Rawhide, Natural Pigments, Trade Cloth, Deer Hide
"Elk Dreamer"
Alan Monroe (Oglala) Elk Hide with Hair On, Acrylic, 72" x 60"
"Morning Star"
Gordon Perry (Adopted Shoshone)

Elk Hide with Hair On, Natural Pigments, 63" x 59"
"Headress Parfleche"
Chris Wilson (Adopted Cheyenne)

Buffalo Rawhide, Natural Pigment, Deer Hide, 28" x 8", Fringe Length 36"