Plains Indians Crafts

Parfleshe parfleshe.JPG (25133 bytes)

Background Information
A parfleche was used by the Plains Indians to carry their possessions. It was made from a buffalo hide. The hide was cut into a large rectangular shape. Belongings were placed on the center of the hide. Next the hide was folded like and envelope and tied with rawhide straps. The parfleche was made water proof by covering it with a glue made by boiling the tails of  beavers.

Peacepipe pipe.jpg (11758 bytes)

Background Information
Some of the ancient pipes were as long as a man’s arm. Many pipes were like a huge cigarette holder. Some of the pipes were made of wood and others were made of a special kind of stone. The pipes were decorated with carving. Two types of pipes were made. The peace pipe could be carried across enemy territory and would assure safe passage for the carrier. The war pipe had red feathers signifying blood and was passed around and smoked before a battle was to take place.

Directions for Making a Peace Pipe or War Pipe

  1. Gather these materials:
    • 2 wooden paint stirrers
    • clay
    • 2 straws
    • feathers
    • raffia
    • markers
  2. Mold the bowl of the pipe with a small amount of clay. Insert a straw to shape the hole through the base of the bowl. Allow to dry overnight.
  3. Have students use the markers to color Plains Indian designs on one side of each of the paint stirrers.
  4. Next take two drinking straws and slide them together at one end.
  5. Glue the straws in between the two paint stirrers making sure the designs are showing on both the top and the bottom. One/half inch of the straw should hang over one end and two inches of straw show hang over the other end.
  6. Glue the bowl of the pipe onto the end with 2 inches of straw.
  7. Tie short pieces of raffia around the pipe for decorations.
  8. Glue feathers to the pipe.
War Shield sheilds2JPG.JPG (29402 bytes)

Background Information:

Shields of hide were used by the Plains Indians. They used the thick hide from the neck of the bull buffalo. After shrinking and toughening the hide over a fire, it was trimmed and painted by a warrior. Each warrior painted on his personal magic design. The Plains Indians believed it was the design that protected the warrior, and not the shield itself.

 

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