staff sheath

This thin long sheath has beadwork on both sides. There are eight triangular elements, which match the appearance of the sheath, sewn to the sides and top. The bottom of the sheath is sewn closed with a thin strip of leather; the top of the sheath is open to receive the agriculture staff.

The beadwork, which covers most of the surface of the sheath, is sewn to a coarse plain weave black fabric. The beadwork on the triangular elements is sewn to a finer black fabric. Unlike the sheath, the beadwork on the triangles is present on only one side. On the front of the sheath the beads create motifs of geometric designs and beings. The geometric designs are likely symbols and might tell a story. On the back of the sheath the beads create a continuous row of zigzag triangles.