Plains Indian (Sioux) Horse Stick, 19th Century

Sioux (likely)

Last quarter 19th Century | Wood, Hide, Steel nails, Brass nails | Item 2559

This is a very unique horse stick most likely from the Sioux tribe of the Plains. The well carved horse head, with metal set eyes and hide ears, is spliced onto the wood handle portion. It’s attached with small, steel tacks The handle, as well the horse head, is topped with two layers of commercial hide attached to the wood with both steel and brass nails. The red paint, which has mostly worn off, is clearly present. The top portion along the commercial hide has evidence of white paint. The hole at the base has much wear to it, with a couple nails holding a part together at the very base. I can only guess what this was used for, thinking that it was for celebration or dance rituals. It might have also been attached to a horse, hanging as decoration.