Buffalo Pouch

The Potawatomi tribes often used pouches like this for many different things. Because the tribes would often move from place to place with the seasons or to follow their food sources, they needed places to hold their supplies. Native Americans didn't have pockets in their clothing like the Europeans did, so pouches of different shapes, materials, and sizes were needed to hold different things. They were often made of buckskin, hide, or woven sinew. They were used to hold food, tools, medicines, and other supplies. Bigger pouches were carried or attached to the belt, while smaller pouches were worn around the wrist or neck. This particular buffalo pouch was collected in 1910, but was likely made before that. It measures at 22 x 14 cm.