Northern Plains elk horn hide scraper with hide wrapped steel bit. Inscribed reservation or collection tag. Written on elk antler “Wahigtaka” Mrs. White Lightning, Yanktonian Tonais Sioux, Cannonball North Dakota 1950.” Scrolled handle, incised scrolling on base for thong, much patina from use. This is wonderful example of an elk scraper or hide flesher known as a “wahintki” in the Lakota language. Made from an elk antler and an iron blade hafted to the curved tip with a leather cord. This section of elk antler was taken from between the second and third tines, the natural curve and durability of the material was ideal for crafting tools that were strong and long lasting; indeed, this handle may be much older than the iron blade that was obtained after European contact. Antler scrapers were precious and passed down from mother to daughter, often serving many generations to scrape hides clean before tanning.
PERIOD: 19th Century
ORIGIN: Great Plains – Northern Plains, Native American
SIZE: 14″ x 16″