Parfleche and Possible Bags

The word "parfleche" is derived from the French "parer" (to parry or deflect) and "fleche" (arrow), and literally means to deflect an arrow. This refers to the fact that these widely used storage containers are made of rawhide and not tanned or soft hide. This stiff but durable hide was used to make many different types of bags as well as shields.

Possible or Tipi bags were made of tanned hide and were commonly decorated with beaded or quilled panels.

When a young couple were preparing to start a new tipi, they would have received many Parfleche and Possible Bags as gifts to protect and store their most prized belongings.