|
Parfleche (par'-flesh)
(Cheyenne?Apache?), 1860-1869
Buffalo rawhide, pigment
On loan courtesy of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.70.2.17
The Parfleche
During the day, the parfleche was placed on a tripod in front of the
tipi, facing east, where it gathered the powers of the sun. In the afternoon,
it was moved to the back of the tipi, facing west, following the sun.At
sunset, they were brought inside and hung from the tipi poles in the honored
place, west of the fire.
Ray Gonyea (Onondaga Iroquois), 1999
Visual Prayers
The design on this parfleche (PAHR-flesh), which held powerful medicine
bundles, represents the four directions of spiritual power. Hung in an
honored place both inside and outside Plains tipis, it was a constant
reminder of the spirits.
|