Photo -- See Caption Below


Quirt
1820 -1830s
This horse quirt was collected by Henry Spalding during his first mission period among the Nez Perce, 1836-1848. It was sent to Ohio in 1846 and probably dates from the 1820s-1830s, since it shows considerable use. The handle is made from a single elk antler tine, drilled and incised both for decorative purposes and to hold other elements. The whip, handle and drop are made of buckskin and decorative elements include seven brass trade rings, a bell, brass wire and the brass seat fixture for a ramrod from a rifle or pistol.
Elk antler (Cervus elaphus), brass, leather. L 33.2, W 4.2 cm
Nez Perce National Historical Park, NEPE 8750