Antique Native American Painted Hide....Help With Identification!

[Joeyd]

According to the family that owned this item, it was purchased some 30 - 40 years ago as best remembered and was part of a museum release of several items. It still has the museum tag (shown in the photo) but has faded and deteriorated to the point where only a few letters can still be seen. Currently, no history is known and was wondering if anyone could possibly help with any possible information. The hide is sealed between plastic sheets and doesn't make for good photos but looks to be Elk with many painted scenes of which a few are....a necklace with what looks like water droplets beneath, a bear with an arrow in its side, a figure with what looks like a Kentucky style rifle, a hand, and several others scattered about. I'm thinking late 1800's era but just not sure so any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

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[DCMatt]

Do a Google image search on "Native American robe". You will see several examples. It would show the feats and accomplishments of the owner - life story stuff. The symbol meanings vary from tribe to tribe and yours are common (sadly). It is interesting that yours has a white hand on it. Again the hand has different meanings but could indicated contact with white people.

Any clue about what part of the country it came from? That might help narrow the tribe.

Did you post it in the American Indian Artifacts forum? American Indian Artifacts

Good luck

DCMatt