Knife Case and Knife

This beaded knife case responds sensitively to the tool it stores. The overall shape of the case mirrors the contours of the knife, as indicated by the curving point. Additionally, a break in the design field occurs above the juncture of handle and blade. Unique cases such as this envelop mass-produced tools with personally meaningful embroidery. Indigenous men and women acquired metal knives through trade and used them for various tasks including hunting and butchering. Plains women often suspended finely beaded knife cases from their belts alongside other types of small beaded containers.