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C.1870. This beautiful and rare hide scraper handle is both art and utilitarian object. After harvesting buffalo, deer, or other large game, flesh and hair had to be scraped from the raw hide in order to transform it into clothing, bags, moccasins, or parfleche cases. Elk antlers make good, stiff handles. Pre-fur trade bits generally were made from flint or stone, but as steel became available in the 19th century, the flint & stone bits were discarded in favor of the new material. Most hide scrapers are undecorated. This one features 3 sets of yellow-painted concentric rings, with "dots" bored into the handle (probably done with heated points). The handle is complete with sinew-sewn, rawhide bit holder. It measures 11.5 inches long. Cat. No. 62.31.43. Courtesy Wyoming State Museum. Click here or on the image for a close-up view. |
