Blackfoot Parfleche Cylinder “Medicine Bundle”

Buffalo Hide

Parfleche refers to rawhide that has been stretched and dried to create a stiff, durable material used for containers on the Plains. Most parfleche cases were flat envelopes; cylindrical examples are less common and often associated with specialized storage.

Painted in geometric designs using natural pigments, this cylinder reflects Blackfoot parfleche traditions, which emphasized symmetry and structured compositional balance. Painted end caps indicate attention to the entire surface.

Abundant buffalo fringe runs along the body. Fringe could reinforce seams and protect edges while also adding visual movement.

Cylindrical parfleche forms were often used to protect elongated or ceremonial objects. Parfleche containers were essential to mobile lifeways, safeguarding personal and ritual possessions during travel.