Quality Tipis

Making a Tipi

Creating a quality tipi the original way is a long process. The hide must be scraped from the carcass of a buffalo, brain tanned, and stretched to ensure durability. I use an elkhorn scraper to flesh a buffalo hide of meat and fat. Also, I use a bar flesher supported by a strap around my wrist, which is used along the edges of a fresh buffalo hide.

It is important to note that the Indians did not waste any part of the buffalo, and neither do I.

Completed Tipis

War Bonnet

This is the front and back of a Sioux war bonnet with porcupine-quillwork. The feathers are hand-painted imitations.

A war bonnet, as the one pictured above, we made for President Obama, commissioned by a Lakota tribe. The bonnet is destined for Obama’s Presidential Library.

Quilled Baby Cradle

Pictured is a classic cradle with sewn-down porcupine quills and quill-wrapped tab. The red hackle fluffs dividing the rows and bells on the tab add to the charm of this piece.