Artist:Sioux
Medium: Stone
Geograhical Locations:
Dates:18th-19th century
Dimensions: 7 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 2 5/8 in. (19.7 x 5.7 x 6.7 cm)
Collections:
Accession Number: 43.201.165
Image: CUR.43.201.165_view1.jpg,
Catalogue Description: Stone carving representing a buffalo embryo(?). This would have fit onto something but would not function as a club. Looks rather modern in style as a fetish and resembles a buffalo in the face or possibly a carving of a cicada. Made of soapstone; threading rings sometimes indicate a medicine use. 'Lightening' streaks coming out of mouth. Stone carving is very rare for Plains, but Mississippi tribes are very interested in stone as a media. For Lakota, rebirth and animals in larvae stage were sacred. Exact purpose of this piece and what it represents is unknown.