Minneapolis Institute of Art

Elk Dreamer's Society Pouch

Lakȟóta artistLinkedCulture matchlcp-cea47f86ad36

Date

1890–1910

Medium

Porcupine quills, hide, beads, tin, feathers

Culture

Lakȟóta

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Object ID

4959

The Lakota had a complex system of societies that were associated with animals, sacred power, and battle exploits. Members of the Elk Dreamer's Society had to have a vision involving elk in order to be a member. Participants usually wore and used items with elk imagery, like this pouch. During their ceremonies, some members wore masks that symbolized elk and carried a decorated hoop. One of the powers that Elk Dreamer's had was the ability to control love. Lakȟóta, United States, Americas

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