Native American Indian artifact from the Warriors & Hunters collection - Iroquois

Exhibit Area: Warriors & Hunters

Case Number: 3E

Item Number: WC8308028

Category: Knife-Knife Case

Region: Northeast

Tribe: Iroquois - Mohawk type

Period: 1820

Materials: Case: native tanned hide; dyed and natural bird quills; dyed porcupine quills; tin cones; dyed red deer hair; birchbark. Knife: steel blade; wood handle; native tanned hide; bird quills, tin cones.

Description: Worn around the neck, this quilled knife and knife sheath exhibit the best of the Mohawk (Iroquois) quilling craft. These objects use both bird and porcupine quills that have been colored with native vegital dyes.

Condition: Good: minor quill damage.

Dimensions: Length (with strap) 24.5 inches; length (case only) 10.25 inches; length (knife) 8.25 inches

Provenance:

Charles Messiter Collection Alexander Gallery Epic Fine Arts Co. - Masco Corp.

Exhibitions:

Akicita, The Southwest Museum, Los Angeles, May 17, 1983 - July 10, 1983

References:

Sotheby's Auction Catalogue, Sotheby's, New York, Sale 4842Y, Lot 286, April 24, 1982