This lot features a fantastic fully beaded Indian tanned hide bag from the Blackfeet Piegan tribe of Northern Montana, used as either a strike-a-lite bag, signal mirror bag, or rations card bag. The inside of the bag contains a circa 1932 folded up newspaper for stuffing. The body of the bag is comprised of Indian brain tanned hide covered in classic geometric beadwork in Blackfeet designs. The bag shows an incredible design with trapezoid shape, curved fancy beaded top flap held into place with a brass metal trade bell and at the bottom two beaded tab tails. The bag is trade thread sewn and is covered in early 1900 period correct glass trade seed beads. The bag shows a sky padre light blue background with classic Blackfeet pattern (also seen on other beaded bags and parfleche envelopes from the Blackfeet / Blackfoot) with a pattern in chalk white, greasy yellow, medium green, red white heart, cobalt. The bag has a dark dyed coloring and Indian tanned hide belt tie. The bag was either used as a strike-a-lite bag for fire starting, a signal mirror bag or to hold a rations card from the Indian Reservations. The hide is in supple condition with little to no bead loss. Likely dating to the early-to-mid 1900's. Provenance: From a private Montana collection curated between 1981-1990 from such dealers and shops as Bud Beyer, Ray Miller, John Helson, etc. Measures overall without the belt strap 8" with an additional 8"L belt strap and the bag is 3.75"W.*