Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

1870s Plateau Rawhide Parfleche Envelope, Geometric Patterns, Transitional Style

About the Item

This beautifully painted parfleche container, crafted in the shape of an envelope, features an abstract design and is a striking example of North American Indian art. This piece, originating from the Plateau cultural region, makes a stunning wall hanging on its own or can be grouped with other parfleche items for a unique display. It can also be displayed on a shelf or stand as a functional and decorative artifact. Created by a member of a Plateau tribe, such as the Kalispel, Flathead, Kutenai, Palus, Coeur D'Alene, or Nez Perce, this parfleche showcases the traditional craftsmanship of the region. The Plateau cultural area spans parts of northern Idaho, western Montana, northeast and central Oregon, eastern Washington, and southeast British Columbia. Parfleches, made from rawhide, were vital to the nomadic lifestyle of many Native American tribes. These durable containers functioned like protective traveling suitcases, enabling tribes to follow buffalo herds and migrate between seasonal camps. More than 40 tribes from the Plains and Western Plateau regions are known to have historically crafted parfleches, each with their own unique style and decorative elements. While primarily utilitarian, parfleches also served as a canvas for artistic expression. The painted designs often reflected tribal identity and spiritual significance, with many tribeswomen deeply involved in decorating these containers. The artistic tradition of parfleche painting, which evolved from tattooing, helped define each tribe’s visual language. The intricate geometric and symbolic motifs found on parfleches were used not only for decoration but also as a form of cultural storytelling. This particular parfleche highlights the advanced artistry of Plateau tribes, showcasing an evolved understanding of color palette, composition, and symbolism. Its painted geometric patterns are a testament to the skill and creativity of the artists, who were able to blend functional design with artistic expression. Today, these painted parfleches continue to inspire modern artists and collectors alike.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 34 in (86.36 cm)Width: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
  • Style:
    Native American (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1870
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 203721stDibs: LU1004629015592

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Sioux Moccasins 'Plains Indian' 1870s Buckskin, Quillwork & Beadwork
By Sioux Indian Art
Located in Denver, CO
Pair of antique Native American moccasins dating to the late Classic Period (1650-1875). Hand crafted by a Sioux, Plains Indian, arti...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Animal Skin, Hide, Glass, Beads

Pair of 1880s Plateau Embroidered Buckskin Moccasins, Buckskin Hide with Thread
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
Step into history with this exquisite pair of antique beaded moccasins, attributed to the Salish (Flathead) peoples of the Plateau region, dat...
Category

Antique 1880s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide, Thread

Antique Crow Beaded Knife Sheath, Native American Plains Indian, Circa 1870
By Crow
Located in Denver, CO
This antique Crow beaded knife sheath, dating from circa 1870, is a remarkable example of Native American craftsmanship from the Classic Period (Pre-Reser...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide

Navajo Rug 1930s, Chinle Stripe & Diamond Pattern Ivory Camel Brown Blue Red
By Navajo
Located in Denver, CO
Vintage circa 1930 Navajo Trading Post Rug from Chinle, Arizona. Woven of native handspun wool in natural fleece colors of ivory (white) and brown with aniline dyed blue, red and yel...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Native American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Original Large Painting, Native American Ledger Drawing Style by Randy Lee White
Located in Denver, CO
Original painting by Randy Lee White Native American Indian ledger style in acrylic on canvas with assemblage including feather and wood. Wrapped canva...
Category

20th Century American Native American Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Antique Sioux Plains Native American Beaded Buckskin and Canvas Possible Bag
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This antique 19th-century Sioux beaded possible bag is a remarkable example of Plains Indian artistry and craftsmanship. Constructed from soft buck...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide, Canvas, Beads

You May Also Like

Plateau Parfleche Envelope, circa 1900
By Plateau Indians
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Plateau painted parfleche envelope painted in green, blue, orange, yellow and red. Period: circa 1900 Origin: Plateau Size: 28" L x 12" W. Family ...
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Other

Pair Plateau Parfleche Packets
By Plateau Indians
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Matched pair of Plateau parfleche packets with diamonds and stylized flowers and brain tanned ties. Difficult to find a pair. Very nice, rare design. The term parfleche was first co...
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Other

19th Century Plateau Parfleche
By Plateau Indians
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Plateau parfleche of steer or elk hide, gun barrel scraper used. Ex. LaPlant collection. Period: Last quarter 19th century Origin: Plateau Size: 12" x 24".       Family Owned & Ope...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Other

Native American Plateau Beaded Belt Strip
By Plateau Indians
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Very nice fully beaded Plateau belt on saddle leather. Note: all back stitches go through. Colors of greasy yellow, red, white, and blue on leather. Period: Early 20th Century Orig...
Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Beads

Colorful Plateau Cornhusk Native American Sally Bag
By Plateau Indians
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Colorful Plateau cornhusk sally bag with geometric designs of green, blue and red linen. Canvas reinforced. Period: First quarter of the 20th century Origin: Plateau Size: 6" D x 10...
Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Other

Authentic Plateau Fully Beaded Flat Bag, circa 1900
By Plateau Indians
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Bright, fully beaded Plateau flat bag with floral design on white background. Red stroud edged and backed, flour sac lining. Interesting that there ar...
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Beads

Recently Viewed

View All