Pouch

Description:	A variety of pouches and bags were worn by Kiowa men and women for different purposes. Bags were traditionally made from various animal hides and fur, as well as woven materials. Women usually decorated the bags with quills, paint, or beads. Small pouches and bags, like this particular one, were worn on a woman’s belt as part of her dress. They were used to hold fire-starting equipment, food ration tickets, or other daily necessities. This object is unique because it was collected by an African American First Lieutenant in the U.S. Cavalry in the late 19th Century. Native Americans coined the phrase “Buffalo soldiers” when they first encountered the all black units of the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiments. This particular pouch was owned by First Lieutenant Leighton Finley who served with the 10th U.S. Cavalry. Lieutenant Finley was injured when his horse fell and crushed his leg. His leg was amputated, but he failed to recover and died in 1894.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/416
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Subjects:	Indians of North America Kiowa Indians Kiowa Indians -- Social life and customs Bags Clothing and dress

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