Plains or Pueblo Hide (Buffalo?) Canteen

Plains or Pueblo

Last quarter 19th century | Hide, Tin, Wood, Twine | Item 1876

This soft canteen is likely made with buffalo hide.  The hide is very pliable and not stiff.  But it is thick so it holds its shape very well. The epidermis side (the inside of the hide) is used as the outside of the canteen. The epidermis has been left intact as it’s a natural water barrier.  The seam is sewn with what appears to be twine.  Four tin cones are attached with hide and placed at the top of the neck.  Twine is used to secure the wood stopper  and as well to hold a circle which likely held something else at an earlier time.

The photos shown here are lower resolution and do not allow for zooming in. Please reach out if you would like a set of high resolution photos.