Tobacco bag with pipe-stem case
Northern Cheyenne, Native American
Not on view
The narrow sleeve on this tobacco bag held a pipe’s wood stem. A woman embellished it with stylized feathers and a wavy line of beadwork, perhaps to suggest the pipe’s role in transmitting sacred smoke and prayer. A single Thunderbird, a powerful spirt, is represented near the opening; hourglass motifs—common in Plains painting, quillwork, and bead-embroidered designs—are featured on the body; and a finely twisted, two-ply fringe hangs from the bottom.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.