Elliptical Case (Food Storage Case)

Elliptical cases are another distinctive type of rawhide container that were used almost exclusively by the Sioux. Sioux and Arapaho were allies who shared some designs. This case was constructed by folding the rawhide in half and lacing a buckskin thong along the side and bottom. Soft pieces of native, tanned buckskin or canvas were sewn to the top. The drawstring is made from buckskin. These bags are described as containers for collecting berries, for storage of foods such as coffee and sugar, or for clothing. They have even been classified as lunch bags.