as you will see, this is very basic, probably designed for kids. it would seem to me, however, that if one wanted to make a parfleche from rawhide, using authentic materials, paints and designs, these instructions would work well. perhaps waksupi, rollingb or someone else might have some ideas or suggestions on this! -------------------------------------
Parfleche can be made in many sizes, depending on the purpose, and size of the hide or fabric. To make your own pouch, purchase some fabric, or real leather. Begin by making a pattern similar to the one shown right using a paper bag and pencil. Materials: paper bag scissors pencil & ruler leather fabric or leather leather laces, shoe laces or string acrylic paints or permanent makers hole punch pins or tape	Open parfleche Partially folded parfleche Folded parfleche
Construction Steps: Measure your skin or fabric. Decide on the dimensions of your finished pouch. (Note if you want the closed pouch to be 20 inches long and 18 inched wide you will need a pattern that is 40 inches wide and 36 inches wide. Do you know why?) Fold your paper bag in half and cut curves to match the curve of the end flaps. Fold your paper bag pouch following the lines in our pattern. Now you have prototype for the real thing. Pin or tape your pattern to the leather or fabric and cut it out. Follow the same procedures using your paper pattern as a guide. Now you are ready to decorate. Examine the http://www.natureshift.org/oldsite/natureshift/curricula/Wounded_Hawk/pouch/designs.htm - designs below and draw your own design using the paper bag pouch for your trials. Transfer your design onto your pouch material and paint or color it. Let the paint dry and enjoy a beautiful case to hold important papers, favorite drawings or other special collections. With a hole punch, add holes and then lace the strings to tie it shut.

Klititat Design	Arapaho Design
Cheyenne Design	Wichita Design
Arapaho Design	Teton Dakota Design

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A parfleche is a container of folded or sewn buffalo hide, decorated on the outside with painted designs.  These were made by women from more than 40 tribal groups in the western half of North America during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.  They were used to transport a family's food and their material possessions such as clothes and tools.

            The term refers to war shields that were made of heavy buffalo hide and was used to describe the untanned skin in addition to any objects constructed from that material.  Eventually, parfleche became the common name for the large, folded envelope-like containers of buffalo hide.

            In it's finished state, the parfleche is tough, durable, waterproof, and unbreakable.  The smooth hard surface is stiff when new, but can be folded without cracking and becomes more pliable with use.  Buffalo hide was the preferred type of hide for making parfleches but elk, horse, moose and possibly deer hide were used as well.  As soon as they became available, the

hides of domestic cattle were also used.

            The paint used on the parfleches was made using variety of sources.  Most pigments came from minerals, but a significant number of vegetable and animal materials were used as well.  Among many tribes, paint was considered to be a sacred material.  The colors and pigments were believed to embody sacred powers.

Tas,

   Sorry for my ignorance, but what the hell is a prafleche.

Spot

excellent question, spot -

in addition to the description above, think of a parfleche as a big rawhide envelope or bag, in which all kinds of things could be kept, dried meat, pemmican, clothes, war "stuff," toys, and any household items. the painted designs on the outside of the parfleche became something of an artform.

i'll try to dig up a picture or two of parfleches in their "natural setting."

Waksupi,

      I'm the last guy that's got room to comment anyone on spellin'.

I really hadn't ever heard that word afore, and wondered what old Tas was talk'n 'bout.  Still only got a sketchy idear 'bout why a guy would want to make one, you (tribe) used them, and when.  Then again I can be pretty dumb and ignorant 'bout most things anyhow. 

Spot

There is an example of some Sioux style ones shown here on my web page. There is a lot of variation in sizes, shapes, and decoration.

http://www.geocities.com/waksupi1/page4UnNamed.html - http://www.geocities.com/waksupi1/page4UnNamed.html

The term actually comes from French translation, parry (sp),to fend off, and flesche, arrow. So, put together, it means to fend off arrows, which a good shield did.

ric -

would you by any chance be able to give me an idea as to whether it is more "correct" for the flaps to overlap in the middle or meet in the middle? or did this vary from tribe to tribe?

>>>Many had a slight overlap, so the ends would match better when they were filled. <<<

bang - that's it! we were talking about it today, getting together some kids' activities to go along with the parfleche exhibit coming up, and i was certain that the ends should meet, but someone else thought they should overlap. your post explains why! best part is, we were both right! (in a way.....)

thanks!

p.s. the exhibit runs from mid february to sometime in apriol, when it will be replaced by a chihuly exhibit - if you are in the area, drop in.

if anyone else is interested, read more about it by clicking http://www.cmrussell.org/spec.html#feb - HERE ~~