This is a fabulous Bowcase and Quiver from the Cheyenne dating to the 19th Century with an old collection tag. The tag reads, “Northern Cheyenne Bow, Quiver + 3 arrows circa 1800s” on one side and “Northern Cheyenne Quiver Lance Creek, Wyoming”. The set includes an original 19th Century bow and eight arrows which also have an old collection tag marked, “Fort Keogh 1880 Montana Territory 4434 / Sioux bow arrows 4434”.
The bowcase and quiver are comprised of Indian tanned hide with sinew sewing being adorned with frilly long Indian tanned hide fringes and sections of red stroud old trade clothe. The quiver and bow openings and ends along the front and both sides respectively with 19th century period correct glass trade seed beads in a classic Cheyenne banded geometric design. The beads include greasy yellow, red white heart, chalk white, cobalt medium blue and light blue all being sinew sewn. The bowcase and quiver is truly striking. Old Indian tanned shoulder strap still attached.
Also included in the lot is the bow and arrows with Sioux Fort Keough Montana Territory provenance. The eight arrows have a stripped wood shaft with nocked ends having sinew sewn turkey feather fletching remnants with red and blue mineral painted features. The end shows a light red paint with some sinew remnants and three later bird points including two metal and one flint points. The bow exhibits classic Northern Plains pattern with thick sinew bowstring tied on and having additional Indian hide parfleche ties on one end. The bow is marked with an old collection number of “I.2.100 / 4434”. The bows has a nice hand hewn / scrapped finish with good patina.
Bowcase and quiver measures overall 58”L with strap and fringe by 43”W (width with fringe hanging down). Bow is 41.75”L. Longest arrow is 26.25”L. Similar in quality and rarity to the example sold by our company in January 2024 for $15,240 (w/ bp).