Bow, Bow Case, And Quiver With A Pierced Nose, Ca. 1870, Idaho, Oregon, Or Washington, United States

Bernard Southeran Collection

Set attributed to the Nez Percé, made of otter skin, leather tanned using Indigenous techniques, wool fabric, glass beads, ermine, and silk ribbons.

It consists of a 126 cm bow case, with an 86 cm interior pocket, and a 54 cm arrow quiver, 36 cm of which is made of fur. Total height of the set on display: 243 cm.

Noteworthy are two small conical cases, lined with tanned leather, identical to those visible on the example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. According to the documentation consulted, these beaded cones were intended to hold bone awls.

The fur piece bears four perfectly preserved bear claws. The construction of the quiver also bears a close resemblance to that of the museum’s specimen.

For reference: specimen held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, donated by Charles and Valerie Diker in 1999, no. 1999.484.14.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318357