Tipi Rosettes

   It was common to honor the four directions by placing a quilled or beaded rosette to the four compass points on a tipi cover.  From the center of a rosette, there was commonly placed a section of horse tail to appease the Thunder Being.  The four circles to the left came from a German collection. The porcupine quills on the rosettes have not been flattened indicating they could be Mandan, although the colors and design appear as Lakota.  Stitch marks show these had been on a tipi, but not long enough to dry the leather, which is still supple.

   The orange and purple rosettes on the right are Mandan.  These had been on a tipi long enough to become stiff from rain and snow.