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• Apsáalooke artist
• 1890s
• Painted rawhide, beads, cloth, and metal bells
• Native Arts acquisition funds, 1949.3649

This is a sheath used to hold a lance. The Apsáalooke tie such sheaths to the side of a horse during parades. Sheaths like this are often empty, indicating that they are more symbolic. The two tabs that extend from the longer section represent the paws of a mountain lion (also called a cougar) symbolizing bravery. The triangles in blue lines are characteristic of the Apsáalooke design.