Pouch

1800-25; Eastern Sioux; Buckskin, mallard duck scalp, porcupine quills, tin cones, and dyed deer hair; height 26 cm (10 1/3 in.); Founders Society Purchase; 81.488

The Thunderbirds visible in the center correspond to the four cardinal directions and serve as powerful guardian spirits of the sky. The scalps of many mallard ducks are used for the rich green of the lower portion of the pouch, representing the watery underworld.

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