Presented in this lot is a Chippewa Cree Stone Skull Cracker Dance Wand from the Many Trails Collection by Leonard and Laurie Many Trails, at the former Indian Nations Trading Post in Livingston, Montana, circa 20th century. The skull cracker features a hide wrapped wood shaft decorated with buffalo fur, horsehair, turkey feathers, seed trade beads, Venetian Millefiori trade beads, brass beads and metal cones. A natural stone head is affixed to the shaft with sinew. A stone skull cracker (also known as a skull crusher) is a traditional Native American war club used primarily by Plains tribes. They were frequently used to "count coup," a feat of bravery where a warrior touched an enemy in battle without necessarily killing them. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many "skull crackers" were produced specifically for ceremonial dances as "dance wands". The Chippewa Cree Tribe (Ne Hiyawak) is a federally recognized tribe based on the Rocky Boy's Reservation in north-central Montana. The tribe is a combination of the Rocky Boy's Band of Chippewas and the Little Bear Band of Cree. Formed by Chippewa (Ojibwe) and Cree peoples, the tribe is known for its strong, distinct culture, a 117,365-acre reservation established in 1916, and an economy based on agriculture and livestock. The tribe speaks Cree and Ojibwe, often referring to themselves as Ne Hiyawak ("those who speak the same language"). They share a rich heritage with strong, independent, and, in some cases, migratory traditions, especially for the Cree. The dance wand is in good condition overall, measures 20.5"L x 3.5"W, weight is 14oz.