Parfleche made by a Northern Plains artist

Parfleche Inspired Activity

Parfleche made by a Northern Plains artist

Parfleche

Unknown artist from a Northern Plains tribe

Northern Plains, United States

Unknown date

hide, pigment

Artist Melanie Yazzie was inspired by the intricate and unique designs that are significant to the owner as well as the parfleche’s function for holding important items.

Does this object spark a lesson idea for your classroom?

  • How are students inspired to share about themselves with personal designs?
  • How could you prompt students to consider what they would like to put into their parfleche-inspired case?

TIP: Have students decorate mailer envelopes with designs and colors meaningful to them to create their own parfleche-inspired carrier.

Related Creative Activities

Lesson Plan

Communication Through Clothing

In this lesson, students will explore the symbols, patterns, and colors that are important to the Osage people. Students will create a t-shirt design that expresses information about their own culture and personality, and reflect upon messages communicated by their clothing design.