Parfleche Plains Sunshade Visor or Hat

Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation

2nd half 19th Century | Hide | Item 2520

This is a rare object: a parfleche buffalo hide shaped into a sunshade hat. The hide has been cut in the center into eight equal triangles still attached to the body. The head goes into the hole with the long side in the front shielding the eyes from the sun. There is a hide strip ending with a deer dew claw to go under the chin to support the hat in place. These are typically painted, much like a parfleche envelope, but like some envelopes, this visor is plain with no paint. The surface is well aged and has a beautiful patina. The outside portion of the hat is the epidural side of the hide, and the inside surface where the fur was originally attached but has been removed. The hide is firm with some flexibility to it. It is in excellent condition and makes a strong statement on any wall, especially how it plays with the light coming through the fractured triangles.