Featured in this lot is this Chippewa Cree Turtle Skull Hoop Dance Stick 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 dance stick features a leather wrapped wood shaft decorated with fur, horsehair, turkey feathers, seed trade beads, Venetian Millefiori trade beads, brass beads, and Hawk bells. The top of the dance stick features a turtle skull, the bottom ends with horsehair. 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 Delaware Skin Dance (sometimes called a Stick Dance) is practiced by some Chippewa/Ojibwe bands in Ontario. In the Men’s Northern Traditional Dance, a storytelling dance that honors the history of warriors and hunters, the dance stick serves several vital spiritual and cultural function. Each stick is unique and often tells a personal story or dream. They are frequently adorned with animal figures, feathers, beadwork, and leather. The dance stick is in good condition overall, turtle skull is intact. Staff measures 3.5"W x 26"L, weight is 8oz.