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Artist Unknown (Crow, 19th century),
Gun Case
, ca.1870–80
hide, beads, cloth, length without fringe: 38 in.; 96.52 cm
Gift of Mrs. A. H. Richardson, 1956.112
Given the importance of guns for hunting and warfare, it is not surprising that Plains men would treat them as treasured possessions and keep them in beautiful cases like this one. The beadwork colors, the elongated triangular designs, and the graceful fringe all suggest that this particular case is of Crow manufacture. It was collected by army officer Captain John G. Bourke (1846–1896). Deeply interested in and sympathetic to Native American cultures, he published many books and articles about the tribes he encountered on his Western campaigns.
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