Hide Bags. Hide is treated animal skin and is the foundation for most Native American beadwork. The most common hides used are buffalo and deer.
Below are some examples of hide bags including a Northern Plains pipe bag and a stars and stripe bag from the second quarter of the 20th century.
A Northern Plains or Plateau pipe bag
Possibly Nez Perce, pigmented with ochre and beaded with vining foliate designs on each face, suspending hide fringe wrapped in yarn, string and/or ribbon.
length 35 1/2in, width 7 1/2in
Sold for US$4,080 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
A Plateau beaded hide “Stars and Stripes” bag
Second-Quarter 20th Century
A shield form beaded bag with a band of blue with stars and vertical red and white stripes, with wool felt to the reverse, two shoulder straps, and a floral printed cotton lining
12″ H x 9.5″ W
Sold for US$400 at John Moran Auctioneers, Inc. in 2022
Plains Beaded Hide Bag late 19th/early 20th century, possibly Cheyenne, beaded decoration on both sides, fringed, 12-1/2 x 6 in. including fringe; mounted in bespoke acrylic case 17-1/4 x 8-3/4 x 3-1/2 in.
Sold for US$1,000 at Brunk Auctions in 2022
Plains Indian polychrome beaded hide tobacco bag.
Dimensions: 24 inches overall, 12 inches bag.
Sold for US$12,000 at Witherell’s in 2022
