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Porcupine Quills

Quills – Porcupine

Native Americans have used Porcupine Quills to embellish many items starting before contact with Europeans. They have created unique and beautiful designs on clothing, baskets, bags and other items. Quillwork is a truly traditional Native American craft.

To use Quills, the crafter softens them in water to make them pliable. Then the crafter flattens or wraps the quills to create a design.

We offer Porcupine Quills in both natural white and a selection of colors.

Choose from:

Natural
Black
Red
Yellow
Orange
Green
Light Blue ( only Blue 1-2023)
Dark Blue
Purple
Assorted

You can buy quills in 1/4 oz or 1 oz packages. Quill lengths vary between 1″- 3″. We do not sort them, so expect to cull out quills that are too short. Our Natural quills have been washed once, there may be some hair. You can wash again or use as is. (Remember, quills are hollow and lightweight. 1/4 oz packages have over 200 quills, 1 oz packages contain over 1000 quills).

Watch our video Porcupine Quill Work to learn more about this unique craft!

For more information, view the Denver Art Museum leaflet on Porcupine Quillwork HERE!

Quilled Antique Bag

Along the sides of the bag, the crafter added Lazy Stitch beadwork in Turquoise, Dark Blue and White Center Red Seed Beads. More Dark Blue Seed Beads appear along one edge of the Quillwork. At the top of the bag, you will see edge beading in White Center Red and Turquoise Seed Beads along with the remains of mostly missing quillwork. At the very bottom you will see 3 inches of Braintanned Deerskin Leather Lacing fringe.

Antique Braintanned Leather Bag with Quillwork and Beadwork

This collectible Quilled Antique Bag is a fantastic find! The crafter used Braintanned Deerskin Leather to make the bag. He or she covered the bottom of the bag with Porcupine Quillwork in Red, Green and Orange quills. Then the crafter attached 11 strips covered with more quills in Red, Green, Blue and Yellow. The crafter attached these strips together at the bottom with a single Dark Blue Seed Bead between each one.

Along the sides of the bag, the crafter added Lazy Stitch beadwork in Turquoise, Dark Blue and White Center Red Seed Beads. More Dark Blue Seed Beads appear along one edge of the Quillwork. At the top of the bag, you will see edge beading in White Center Red and Turquoise Seed Beads along with the remains of mostly missing quillwork. At the very bottom you will see 3 inches of Braintanned Deerskin Leather Lacing fringe.

Native Americans use Quillwork to adorn a wide range of items, including moccasins, leggings, and dresses, as well as personal accessories like bags, pouches, and jewelry. Historically, quillwork was primarily practiced by women, who gathered the quills and prepare them for use. They cleaned, softened, and dyed the quills using natural materials such as berries or roots. This Quilled Antique Bag itself measures 5″ x 2″. The quilled strips are 1.75″ long and the fringe is about 3″ long. Overall the bag measures about 7″ long.

This Bag is very fragile due to its age. You will see some quills and beads are missing. We are selling it in a Ryker mount to help protect it. One of a Kind!

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Read the Denver Art Museum Leaflet Porcupine Quillwork

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Quilled Slats Red & Yellow

Pair of Matching Red & Yellow Quilled Slats

These matching Quilled Slats Red & Yellow are ready to add to your project! The crafter used Red, Yellow, White, Pink and Purple Porcupine Quills to create the striped design. He or she skillfully wrapped them around a pair of rawhide slats that measure about 1/4 inch wide. The slats come with squared off ends. We are selling them as a pair. One of a Kind!

Native Americans use Quillwork to adorn a wide range of items, including moccasins, leggings, and dresses, as well as personal accessories like bags, pouches, and jewelry. Historically, quillwork was primarily practiced by women, who gathered the quills and prepare them for use. Then they clean, soften and flatten the quills to attach them to the item they want to decorate. They dye the quills using natural materials such as berries or roots.

These Quilled Slats Red & Yellow measure just about 10 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. We got these pieces from a collection. You will find them in very good condition with no breaks or missing quills. One of a Kind!

Shop More Quillwork

Read the Denver Art Museum Leaflet Porcupine Quillwork

Watch our YouTube Video on Porcupine Quillwork

A Quillwork Companion

A Quillwork Companion 2nd edition

By Jean Heinbuch. 104 pgs. Softcover.

This fully illustrated guidebook, A Quillwork Companion, is the ultimate source for crafters who do quillwork. Heinbuch offers both designs and techniques for doing quillwork. Techniques include zigzag, single line, quill wrapping and quill plaiting including those using multiple quills. Her book includes both basic and advanced designs used by Native American artists.

You will also find discussion about working with several materials. These include birchbark, looms, rawhide and leather. In addition, this book features instructions for creating rosettes. For those who prefer to dye their own quills, traditional dyeing techniques are also outlined.

This new edition of A Quillwork Companion includes 15 new full page color plates and 45 new color photos.

Shop for Porcupine Quills

Watch our YouTube video Porcupine Quill Work to learn more about this unique craft

Read the Denver Art Museum leaflet on Porcupine Quillwork

Pouch with Loomed Quillwork

This collectible Pouch with Loomed Quillwork panel is a fantastic find! Master Craftsman Andy Bullock used Deerskin Leather to make the bag. He attached a 2″ panel of colored quills in a geometric design. Then he added a Pony Trader blue, Cheyenne pink, White and Cobalt blue seed bead design around it. Along the sides of the bag, Andy added Edge Beading with Pony Trader Blue beads. He added more Cheyenne Pink and Cobalt Blue seed beads to the flap of the bag. At the very bottom you will see two 5 inch long Braintanned Deerskin Leather Lacing drops strung with Blue trade Beads. Andy added Trade Beads and Brass Beads to the Deerskin Leather Lacing strap. The bag measures 4″ x 3″. The quilled panel measures 2″ x 1″. The bag measures about 18.5″ long including the strap.

One of a Kind.

Native Americans use Quillwork to adorn a wide range of items. Including moccasins, leggings, and dresses, as well as personal accessories like bags. Historically, quillwork was primarily practiced by women, who gathered the quills and prepare them for use. They cleaned, softened, and dyed the quills using natural materials such as berries or roots.

Shop for more Collectible Bags

Read the Denver Art Museum Leaflet Porcupine Quillwork

Check out some of our YouTube Videos.

Sacred Beauty : Quillwork of the Plains Women

30 pgs. Softcover.

This Exhibition Catalog documents many beautiful and often fragile examples of Native American quillwork. Most of these items belong to the museum collections of the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Contemporary examples demonstrate the ongoing artistry of modern quillwork.

The book describes the process of quillworking. It discusses how Native Americans acquired porcupine quills and how they prepared the animal hides they used as their canvas.

This is NOT a guidebook, but it provides many examples of ways crafters can use porcupine quills artistically.

Watch our video Porcupine Quill Work to learn more about this unique craft!

Read the Denver Art Museum leaflet on Porcupine Quillwork HERE!

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Quilled Wheels Vintage Pair

Pair of Vintage Quilled Wheels

Add this Pair of Vintage Quilled Wheels to you collection! One piece has two medicine wheels wrapped in yellow and red dyed porcupine quills with red ribbon tied to the middle. They are attached to a 12 inch ribbon with red, yellow and blue stripes. The top of the ribbon has two pieces of leather lacing adorned with metal beads, a deer dew claw and yellow beads. This piece shows some wear with fading and staining on the ribbon as well as some quill damage.

The second piece has a transparent amber glass ring with four pieces of red and yellow quilled leather lacing. Four shorter pieces of leather hang from the top with metal beads at the ends. One of the pieces of quilled lacing still has a metal cone attached. This piece also has some quill damage and is missing three cones. It measures 12 inches long.

One of a Kind!

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Guide to Indian Quillworking

By Christy Ann Hensler. 63 pgs. Softcover.

This book gives illustrated step-by-step instructions for techniques of quillworking. You will learn about everything from plucking and preparing the quills to finishing the project. It reviews several methods including Loomwork, Weaving, Straight Quilling and more!

It also discusses how to care for quillwork. You will enjoy the wonderful color photos from the Denver Museum of Art showing examples of older quillwork.

ISBN 0888392141

Watch our video Porcupine Quill Work to learn more about this unique craft!

African Porcupine Quills

African Porcupine Quills are long and hollow like a stick. You can use African Porcupine Quills for barrette sticks, hair ornaments, quilting and other craft projects.

For quilting and sewing projects, sewers can use African Porcupine Quills to ease fabric pieces into your sewing machine, turn small sewn tubes inside out, or to mark seams on fabric (they magically disappear!).

African Porcupine Quills measure 5″ to 6″ long. We sell them individually.

Buy 10 – 49 quills for $1.95 each or 50 or more for $1.75 each!

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Technique of Porcupine Quill Decoration

Technique of Porcupine Quill Decoration

Among the Indians of North America. By William C. Orchard. Softcover. 82 pages.

This reprint of the 1916 original edition is a classic study of Native American Porcupine Quillwork. It outlines several techniques for decorating items with Porcupine Quills including Wrapping, Weaving, and Sewing. Native Americans have used Porcupine Quills to decorate Moccasins, Knife Sheaths, Birchbark containers and more!

You will find it full of Black & White photographs of items decorated with Quills, line drawings of techniques and four pages of color plates.

ISBN 9780943604008

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Watch Chris show you how to do Porcupine Quill Work!

Sioux Quill and Beadwork

Designs and Techniques. By Carrie A. Lyford. Softcover. 116 pgs.

This reprints a 1940 publication by Carrie Lyford. The book discusses designs you can create using Porcupine Quills and Glass Seed Beads. It provides advice on the materials you will need to make several items.

The author suggests items patterned after those made by the Plains and Woodland Indians. The book explains techniques for dyeing and working with porcupine quills. It also provides an overview of beadwork techniques.

Black & white illustrations. Note: This is the same text as 5000-001-011 in a larger format.

ISBN 9780486420899

Watch our video Porcupine Quill Work to learn more about the unique craft of quillwork!

For more information, view the Denver Art Museum leaflet on Porcupine Quillwork HERE!

Quilled Birchbark Bowl Pieces Antique

Antique Quilled Birchbark Bowl Pieces

These Antique Quilled Birchbark Pieces used to be part of a bowl. You will find two pieces of birchbark with a quilled floral design. The artist used orange, green, red and natural quills. They also added a band of sweetgrass around the edges. This piece is from a collection and has quill damage and some broken pieces of sweetgrass.

Birchbark containers are traditional containers made from the bark of birch trees. They are typically used by Indigenous people in North America for storing and transporting food, clothing, and other items. Both remaining pieces measure approx. 7″ x 4″. One of a Kind!

Shop for Baskets

Read the Denver Art Museum Leaflet Birchbark and the Indian!

Quilled Medicine Wheels

Quilled Medicine Wheels come wrapped with real Porcupine Quills. Each one features the Four Directions colors, Black, White, Red and Yellow. Use these decorated Medicine Wheels for hair ornaments or attach them to hats, shields, bags etc.

Each Medicine Wheel measures approximately 2″ in diameter.

We sell them individually or in pairs.

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For more information, view the Denver Art Museum leaflet on Porcupine Quillwork HERE!

Antique Beaded & Quilled Possibles Bag

Possibles Bags are used for decorative storage. This Antique Possibles Bag features both beaded sections and quillwork. The crafter used Braintanned Buffalo Hide and real Sinew to create this Bag. He or she added Beadwork strips on both sides and the top using Arapaho Green, Greasy Yellow, Cobalt Blue, White and White Center Red Seed Beads. Twelve rows of Quillwork in Red and Green interspersed with Red Fluff Feathers decorates the front. Along the sides and top you will also find Antiqued Tin Cone Drops with Red Horsehair. It comes with a tag that says Sioux near White River S Dak.

This Bag came from a collection. Part of the top flap has deteriorated and sections of the beadwork are missing. Some of the fluff feathers are broken or missing. You will see staining and discoloration on the leather. It is in delicate condition.

It measures 24″ wide across the top and 18″ wide at the bottom. It measures about 18″ from top to bottom. One of a Kind!

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Rattle Sweetgrass and Birchbark

Handmade Sweetgrass Rattle with Quilled Birchbark Top

Don’t miss this handmade Rattle Sweetgrass and Birchbark! The crafter used a natural branch for the handle. He wound blades of Sweetgrass to create the main part of the rattle. At the top he attached a piece of natural Birchbark. On this he created a star design with Purple and White Porcupine Quills. The Rattle measures about 11 inches long overall. The flat top measures 2.5 inches in diameter with a 1.5 inch wide quilled design. Quillwork colors vary.

Rattles are a traditional Native American instrument. Native American crafters regularly use Bark, Gourds and Turtle Shells to make Rattles. They use bark from the White Birch and Sweetgrass to make baskets. Or in this case a unique rattle! To create quillwork designs, they gather and dye American Porcupine Quills. After they soak and flatten them, they carefully attach them to Birchbark to create botanical and geometric designs. Porcupine Quillwork is a classic Native American craft.

Shop for more Native American Instruments

Read the Denver Art Museum Leaflet Indian Musical and Noise Making Instruments

Watch our YouTube Video on Porcupine Quillwork

We cannot ship plant materials to Australia

Child Center Seam Woodlands Moccasin – OUR OWN!

Deerskin Leather Child Center Seam Woodlands Moccasin

You will love our handmade softsole Child Center Seam Woodlands Moccasin. We make them with buttery soft Top Grain Deerskin Leather. Wear them as they are or decorate them with your own beading, ribbon or quillwork. These moccasins are custom made to order.

Please send us the length of the child’s foot, the circumference of their foot at the instep and a foot tracing. You will need to mail this to us to ensure we have the correct size for the foot tracing.

Our mailing address:
The Wandering Bull, LLC
PO Box 496
Washington, NH 03280

Call us (800-430-2855) if you have any questions. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery.

Moccasins originated with many Native American groups, and each established their own variations based on geography and lifestyle. Deerskin leather was a common material because deer were abundant. Wearers find the leather is soft, breathable, and durable. Crafters varied the designs for the function of the footwear. They created soft soles for quiet walking in forested areas, and hard soles for walking on harder, rocky terrain.

Moccasins can have symbolic beadwork, quillwork, or painted patterns, reflecting the particular group, family, or even spiritual beliefs. The process of making this type of footwear included tanning the hide, cutting patterns, sewing with sinew, and often decorating with beads or porcupine quills.

You can also order our Eastern Woodlands Moccasin Kit and follow the instructions to make your own pair of moccasins!

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Browse our Clothing Section

Check out our Educational Videos on our You Tube Channel

Adult Center Seam Woodlands Moccasin – OUR OWN!

Adult Center Seam Woodlands Moccasin

You will love our handmade softsole Center Seam Moccasins. We make them with buttery soft Gold Top Grain Deerskin Leather. You can wear them as they are or decorate them with your own beading, ribbon or quillwork. These moccasins are custom made to order.

Please send us the length of your foot, the circumference of your foot at the instep and a foot tracing. You will need to mail this to us to ensure we have the correct size for the foot tracing. If you wear insoles, you may trace around the insole to make sure the Moccasins are wide enough.

Our mailing address:
The Wandering Bull, LLC
PO Box 496
Washington, NH 03280

Call us (800-430-2855) if you have any questions. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery.

You can also order our Eastern Woodlands Moccasin Kit and follow the instructions to make your own pair of moccasins!

Shop for more Moccasins

Browse our Clothing Section

Check out our Educational Videos on our You Tube Channel

Thunderbird Tote Bag

Brown Tote Bag with Thunderbird Design

We created Wandering Bull Tote Bags exclusively for our customers. A company here in New Hampshire makes them for us! You will find this canvas Thunderbird Tote Bag perfect for carrying craft projects, extra items to the dance circle, or even to the beach!

Wandering Bull Tote Bags measure 16″ tall by 18″ wide. They have a wide gusset at the bottom that allows the bag to stand. The 10 oz canvas is strong. You can easily sling the long nylon webbed handles over your shoulder.

We offer Wandering Bull Tote Bags in 5 designs!

Thunderbird Tote Bag

Many Native American cultures consider the Thunderbird a symbolic animal. An 18th century Iroquois quilled hunting bag inspired our exclusive Bag design. This walnut colored Bag features ivory and red Thunderbird designs with simulated quillwork and tin cone tassels. The bright red handle really sets off the Thunderbird design.

Browse our Clothing section

Check out our Educational Videos on our You Tube Channel

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Infant Deerskin Moccasins

Deerskin Moccasins for Infants

Infant Deerskin Moccasins will make the perfect gift for a new baby! These Moccasins are handmade with butter-soft Deerskin Leather. They have soft soles and measure 4″ long from toe to heel. These moccasins come in White or Gold Deerskin Leather.

Gathers around the ankles help keep these Infant Moccasins on baby’s feet. Any new Mom will love to receive these.

These are handmade here in the USA.

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Mug – Brown Thunderbird

Our striking Mug – Brown Thunderbird features a wrap around design. This design on our exclusive mug is based on an 18th century Iroquois Quilled Hunting Bag. The Red and White design stands out on the deep brown tee shirt. You can also find this design our our Thunderbird Tee Shirt and our Thunderbird Tote Bag.

The Thunderbird is a powerful mythological creature deeply rooted in the traditions of many Indigenous cultures across North America. It is often depicted as a massive bird with supernatural abilities, capable of creating thunder by flapping its wings and lightning by flashing its eyes

Many Native American cultures consider the Thunderbird a symbolic animal. Our mugs features ivory and red Thunderbird designs with simulated quillwork and tin cone tassels. This mug holds 11 ounces of your favorite beverage.

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Check out some of our Educational Videos on our YouTube Channel.

Brows our Herbal Section.

Moccasins- Flower

These Moccasins- Flower are handmade from butter-soft smoked Deerskin Leather. They have soft soles and measure 8″ long from toe to heel, someone has added a 4 to the bottom of both. The crafter adorned the wool vamp with a floral design using 10/0 seed beads in pink, red, and greens. White rabbit fur accents the cuff, adding warmth and texture to the moccasins.

One of a Kind.

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Pattern – Plume Indian Women’s Accessories

Women’s Native American Accessories Pattern

You will find patterns for a variety of accessories in our Plume Women’s Leather Accessories Patterns. Native American women used accessories like these for their everyday activities. They expressed their tribal affiliations through the decorations they added to the items. We recommend that you research the decorating styles for the tribe you wish to design for.

This pack includes pattern for the following:

Tobacco Pouch
Mirror Pouch
Ration Card Bag
Fringed Bag
Side Fringed Bag
Knife Sheath
Scissors Pouch
Awl Case

Most of these require small amounts of leather, up to 12.5″ x 10″. The Knife Sheath and the Awl Case also need a piece of Rawhide measuring 5″ x 8″ or 9″ as a lining. You may use lightweight Deerskin Leather Splits for some of these items. For some items, like the Knife Sheath, you may choose to use Cowhide Strap Leather. If you wish to add fringe, please purchase additional Leather for that.

Native Americans often decorated these accessories with Seed Beads, Porcupine Quills, Leather Fringe, Metal Cones, Wool Fabric, Deer Hair and more.

Shop all of our Patterns!

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Iroquois Crafts

By Carrie A. Lyford. Softcover. 101 pgs.

This reprint of the 1945 ed. reviews the material culture of the six Tribes of the League of the Iroquois. Lyford discusses clothing, tools and weapons. Her overview also covers Food, Games, and Ceremonies. Photographs show actual artifacts from the Eastern United States.

In the back, you will find illustrations of traditional designs for Quillwork and Beadwork.

Black & white illustrations and photographs.

ISBN 9780019645035

ISBN 0936984023

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Leggins – Leather Eastern Woodlands Style

We offer custom made Leather Leggins in Fringed Plains Style and Eastern Woodlands Style.

Fringed Plains Style Leggins are longer and curve up the sides and have lots of side fringe.

Eastern Woodlands Style are shorter, coming up above the knee with side flaps that are suitable for your own painting or beadwork. Traditionally, crafters made leggings from tanned animal hides. These provide durability, flexibility, and protection against the elements. Crafters may also embellish them with decorative elements like fringe, beads, quillwork, or painted designs. Native American leggings can serve both practical and cultural purposes. The way they are designed and decorated can have tribal or functional significance. Wearers can pair them with a fabric or wool Breechclout or a Leather Apron.

NOTE: Our Leather Leggings are custom made from garment quality Deerskin Leather. Because we custom make our Leather Leggins to your measurements they are non-returnable. Please call us if you have any questions 1-800-430-2855.

When you place your order please include the following measurements in the comments section:

inseam (crotch to ankle bone)
around calf
around thigh
around ankle

You can also purchase Leather Aprons.

Please Allow 4 weeks for delivery. All custom orders are subject to additional shipping charges.

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Thunderbird Tee Shirt

Brown Tee Shirt with Thunderbird Design

Many Native American cultures consider the Thunderbird a symbolic animal. We make our Thunderbird Tee Shirt with a 100% Cotton shirt in deep brown. An 18th century Iroquois Quilled Hunting Bag inspired our tee shirt design. The Red and White design stands out on the deep brown tee shirt.

Show your appreciation for Native American craftwork with our exclusive shirt!

Available in sizes Small – XX Large.

The Thunderbird is a legendary creature in the mythology of many Indigenous cultures of North America. The Native Americans of the the Pacific Northwest Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Plains incorporated this animal in their designs.

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Pattern – Plume War Shirt

Native American Style War Shirt Pattern

Our Plume War Shirt Pattern offers options to make an ‘open style’ that includes the legs and tail of the animal hide. Alternatively, you will find instructions for a more tailored style as well.

Native American men wore Leather War Shirts both plain and decorated. They sometimes added honorary markings. They embellished these shirts with a variety of trims, including:

Paint
Feathers
Ermine Tails
Scalp Locks
Beadwork
Quillwork
Animal Dew Claws
Shells
Bells
Metal Cones
Coins
Wool Fabric

To make a Leather War Shirt, you will need at least 2 hides with 25″ x 54″ of usable area (for the Small and Medium). For the XX Large size you will need at least 2 hides with 32″ x 58″ of usable area. The pattern also lists options for using 3 hides. If you want fringe, you will need an additional piece of leather with 10″ x 40″ of usable area.

You will also find a glossary and a section of instructions for working with Leather.

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Pattern – Plume Leggin and Breechclout

Native American Style Leggin and Breechclout Pattern

Our Plume Leggin and Breechclout Pattern offers options to make both Leather and Trade Cloth Leggins and Breechclouts.

Native American men traditionally wore Leggins and Breechclouts for protection against the elements. They originally made them from Leather. After the contact period, they chose Wool trade fabric. You will see Native American men wearing them today at Powwows and historical Re-enactments.

This pattern includes instructions for the following:

Leather Western style tapered Leggins with or without fringe
Fabric Leggins with wide side panels that can be sewn or tied closed
Basic Breechclout of cloth or leather with an optional fabric lining

For Leather Leggins you will need 2 hides with at least 42″ of usable material measuring 24″ – 28″ wide. Cloth Leggins require 2 1/4 yards of fabric 45″ wide. You can make the Breechclout with a 15″ x 60″ piece of Leather or Fabric (it can be longer if you wish).

You may add your own ribbon, Porcupine Quills or Beads to your preference.

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Pattern – Plume Plains Indian Dress

Native American Style Plains Dress Pattern

Use our Plume Plains Indian Dress Pattern to make a traditional three hide dress. Native American women of many tribes wear dresses similar to this. They did not decorate their everyday dresses. But ceremonial dresses often have elaborate decorations.

Native American women used a wide variety of trims on their dresses. These include:

Beadwork
Quillwork
Shells
Coins
Fur
Fringe
Metal Cones
Trade Cloth

You will need three Deerskin Leather hides to make this dress. The smallest size (Women’s size 8) requires 2 hides with 32″ x 38″ of usable area and 1 hide with 24″ x 48″ of usable area. The largest size (Women’s size 20) requires 2 hides with 36″ x 38″ of usable area and 1 hide with 24″ x 48″ of usable area.

If you want fringe, you will need to get an additional hide with 24″ x 24″ of usable area.

This pattern includes instructions for using the legs and natural edges of the hide as well as a more tailored style. Additionally you will find a glossary and instructions for working with leather.

Shop all of our Patterns! Read the Denver Art Museum leaflet on Plains Indians techniques HERE !

Pattern – Plume Plains Moccasins

Plains Style Moccasins Pattern

Use our Pattern – Plume Plains Moccasins to construct your own leather moccasins! The Native Americans of the Plains wear a basic two piece moccasin similar to these.

Each Native American group adds their own variations to the shape and style. They apply variations to the shape of the tongue, the sole, the fringe and the decorate elements. Native Americans commonly embellish their moccasins with Seed Beads, Porcupine Quills and/or Metal Cones.

This pattern includes instructions for working with leather and a glossary.

For the Pattern – Plume Plains Moccasins you will need Leather measuring 13″ x 24″ for the uppers, 2 pieces of Leather or Rawhide measuring 11.5″ x 5″ for the soles. The pattern accommodates Men’s sizes 7 – 12 and Women’s sizes 5 – 10.

Click here to shop for Deerskin Leather, Thread and Imitation Sinew, Seed Beads and Metal Cones!

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Carved Bone Feather Pendants

Carved Bone Feather Pendants look great on necklaces and chokers. We offer five different feathers ranging in size from 1.75″ – 5″. The two smaller sizes have holes drilled front to back. You will need to use a jump ring to string these as Necklace pendants. The three larger sizes have holes drilled sideways through the quill so they will lay flat when they hang from a Necklace.

Choose from:

1.75″ Feather has designs on both sides (sold out 12-20)
2.5″ Feather etched on one side
3″ Feather etched on one side (sold out 9-2024)
3.75″ Feather has designs on both sides –
The 5″ also available in a Antiqued/ Burnished look click here to view
5″ Feather has designs on both sides

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Rawhide Lacing

Use both 1/4″ and 3/8″ pre-cut Rawhide Lacing to make your own drums! Rawhide is untanned Leather, so it is very hard.

To use this lacing, soak it in warm water for a couple of days to soften it. You will find it has the consistency of wet noodles when it is ready to use. It will shrink when it dries.

Please note you would not use Rawhide to make clothing or most jewelry. Try our Hand Cut Deerskin Lace or Deerskin Lace Spools instead. Use Imitation Sinew for sewing.

Crafters can use this product to make quilled drops for jewelry or accessories.

We sell our 3/8″ and 1/4″ wide Rawhide Lace in increments of 10 feet or 60 feet.

Read our instructions to Make Your Own Hand Drum

Eastern Woodlands Moccasin Kit

Native American Style Pucker Toe Deerskin Moccasins Kit

The Wandering Bull created the Eastern Woodlands Moccasin Kit for our customers to make their own Eastern Woodlands Pucker Toe Moccasins. Follow the easy instructions to make a wearable pair of Deerskin moccasins. Add your own decorative touches for a truly unique pair of moccasins.

Our Moccasin Kit includes Top Grain Deerskin Leather, Deerskin Leather Lacing and illustrated instructions. The enclosed materials are based on Men’s sizing (US). You create a pattern based on your own foot. Order a size that would be larger than your shoe size to ensure that you have enough material.

You will also need paper to make a foot tracing, a pen or pencil, an awl and scissors that will cut leather.

The Eastern Woodlands Moccasin Kit does not include beads or beadwork. You will find Beads, Real and Imitation Sinew, and Porcupine Quills at The Wandering Bull, LLC to decorate your moccasins.

Watch our How To video on Making Eastern Woodlands Moccasins.

The Eastern Woodlands Moccasin Kit comes in 2 sizes:

Up to Men’s Size 8
Men’s Sizes 8-12

We can also make a pair for you, based on your measurements. Shop for Adult Center Seam Woodlands Moccasins!

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Armbands – Plain

Plain Metal Armbands will complement your Native American regalia for both Powwows and Historical Re-enactments.

Prior to the arrival of European trade goods, Native Americans adorned their arms with tattoos, quilled cuffs and bracelets made of copper and bone. European traders brought metal, especially silver, that Native Americans used to create armbands. Metal Armbands could be simple, narrow bands or stamped and decorated. Native Americans also made Armbands of beaded leather strips or finger woven wool.

Handmade in the USA.

Our metalsmith makes our Plain Armbands from rugged 22ga Brass, Copper or Nickel.

These Armbands measure 1.5″ wide x 12″ long. You can adjust them with the included Deerskin Leather Lacing ties.

SOLD IN PAIRS.

We also offer Stamped Metal Armbands.

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For more information, view the Denver Art Museum leaflet on Copper and the Indian HERE!

Watch our Educational Videos on YouTube!

Armbands – Stamped

Stamped Armbands

Our Handmade Stamped Armbands feature traditional patterns to enhance your Native American regalia for both Powwows and Historical Re-enactments.

Made in the USA.

Our metalsmith makes our Plain Armbands from rugged 22ga Brass, Copper or Nickel.

These Stamped Armbands measure approximately 1.25″ wide by 12″ long. You can adjust them with the included Deerskin Leather Lacing ties. Please note the design may vary.

SOLD IN PAIRS.

We also offer Plain Metal Armbands.

Browse our Clothing Section.

Read about Copper and the Indian HERE!

Watch our Educational Videos on YouTube!

Medicine Wheels in Leather and Rawhide

Medicine Wheels in Leather and Rawhide

You will find the Leather Medicine Wheels perfect for making Scalp Feathers. You can also use them to decorate pouches, clothing, and other accessories. Rawhide Medicine Wheels come pre-cut and ready to use for quilling, painting or whatever decoration you plan!

Each Medicine Wheel in Leather and Rawhide measures 2″ in diameter.

We sell these by the piece. Select Natural ($1.50 each), Black or White Leather ($1.25 each) or Natural Rawhide ($3.25 each).

Quantity Discounts available when you buy 10 or more of a single color.

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Fan – Hand-painted Five Feather

Perk up your regalia with a new fan! We make our handmade Fan – Hand-painted Five Feather with Hand-painted Immature Golden Eagle Feathers. We arrange five feathers over a wood dowel. Then we use epoxy to keep the feathers in place. No slippage!

We leave the handle plain so you can add your own leather, ribbons, beadwork or quillwork! Each Fan measures approximately 18 inches long.

Please allow 2 weeks for this custom made item to ship. Expedited shipping not available on this product.

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Native American Weapons

By Colin F Taylor. Softcover. 128 pgs.

Well illustrated overview of Native American weapons is divided into sections: Striking Weapons, Cutting Weapons, Piercing Weapons, Defensive Weapons and Symbolic Weapons. It reviews weapons used in North American from prehistoric times to the late 19th century, when European weapons became common.

In addition to the weapons themselves, there are photographs and drawings of Native American craftsmanship like beadwork, drawing, painting, quillwork and more.

Color and Black & White photographs and illustrations.

ISBN 9780806137162

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Bone Feather Pendant Antiqued/Burnished

We have perked up our Carved Bone Feather with an Antique/Burnished finish! The finish brings out the carved detail of the Feather. It comes with a hole drilled through the quill (as shown in the photo) so it will hang flat from a Necklace. You can also sew them to Clothing or Bags.

Choose from two sizes!

3.75″
5″

We also sell these Feather Pendants in Natural Bone along with other sizes. You can create an antiqued finish on any Bone Pendant by soaking them in brewed coffee or tea.

We sell these individually. You will get a quantity discount when you buy 10 or more.

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Otter Bag Beaded

Unique Otter Bag with Eastern Beadwork

Add this Beaded Otter Bag made with a cased pelt and leather lace handle to your collection of accessories! The crafter designed this unique piece with the head folding over to close the opening of the bag. Red felt and small clear beads lines the opening. You will find a metal brooch stamped SP on the top of the head. Green melon chevron beads on red felt fabric create the eyes. A floral design on red felt fabric and dangles made of clear seed and tube beads, real wampum buttons and clear sequins adorn all four legs. Red ribbons and dangles hang from each foot.

The 20″ tail has a floral and bird design also on red felt fabric, and dangles made of clear seed and tube beads, real wampum buttons and clear sequins. The Beaded Otter Bag measures approx. 24″ long and 7″ wide.

Traditionally Otter bags are used for carrying personal belongings, herbs, ceremonial items or as a decorative accessory. It’s softness, durability, and water-resistant properties make it a highly valuable and a preferred material for creating bags that can withstand different weather conditions. Intricate beadwork, quillwork, or other decorative elements often decorate the bags.

This Beaded Otter Bag is One of a Kind!

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Read more about Beads used by Native American Crafters!

Bag Wampum Beaded

Beaded Glass Wampum Bag

Add this Reproduction Bag Wampum Beaded to your collection today! This bag is a reproduction of a late 1700s Western Abenaki bag that is kept by the Trustees of the British Museum in London, England. The crafter made it with heavy leather. He attached a large loomwork panel done in Transparent Purple and White Glass Wampum Beads to the front. He added additional Wampum Beadwork around the panel. Along the bottom, he attached 0.75 inch Tin Cone drops made with Red Deer Hair. He lined the inside with blue striped ticking fabric.

For the strap, the crafter used a 44 inch long loomwork piece made with the same Purple and White Wampum Beads. He backed it with blue striped ticking fabric and attached it to the bag with leather lacing.

This Bag measures 13.5″ long x 12″ wide. The strap measures 44″ long x 1.25″ wide.

One of a Kind!

The design of a Wampum beaded shoulder bag often includes geometric patterns, such as diamonds, hexagons, and other shapes, created with the beads. Crafters usually do the beadwork on a loom, resulting in a tightly woven and durable decoration. The bag may also feature additional embellishments, such as quillwork, metal cones, and dyed animal hair.

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Wapegnaki with Horse Hair

Don’t miss this amazing Wapegnaki with Horse Hair. Master Craftsman Andy Bullock makes One of a Kind Wapegnakis for us. Andy made this one with Braintanned Deerskin Leather with Lazy Stitch Beadwork. He chose Cobalt Blue, Turquoise, Red, and White Seed Beads for the main design. He added edge beading in Turquoise Seed Beads. At the bottom, Andy attached six drops that consist of White Center Red Tile Beads, 1.25 inch long Tin Cones and 21 inch long White Horsehair.

At the top, Andy attached four drops strung with White, Black, Yellow and White Center Red Tube Beads and Trade beads with Deerskin Leather Lacing tassels. He topped the piece with a 2.25 inch Brass Concho. He covered the back with red calico fabric. This Wapegnaki measures 30 inches long overall. The beadwork strip measures 6.5 inches long. You can hang it for display or wear it with the attached Deerskin Leather Lacing tie at the top. One of a Kind!

Native American Hair Ornament

Wapegnaki is a name for a Plains Indian Hair Ornament. These Hair Ornaments typically feature a strip of beadwork or quillwork with a length of hair coming from the bottom. They might also have feathers and tassels attached to them. A wapegnaki is a traditional Plains Indian hair ornament. These ornaments typically feature a strip of decorative work, sometimes backed with rawhide or leather. Crafters adorn them with elements like horsehair, feathers, tassels, or tin cones. The designs often incorporate vibrant colors and patterns, reflecting cultural significance and artistic skill.
Wapegnakis are not only decorative but also hold cultural and ceremonial importance. Pieces like this Wapegnaki with Horse Hair are often worn as part of traditional regalia during dances or special events. The craftsmanship involved in creating a wapegnaki showcases the artisan’s attention to detail and respect for tradition.

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Moccasins- Vintage Northern Plains

These Moccasins- Vintage Northern Plains Style beaded moccasins feature colorful geometric designs. The crafter made them from Braintanned Deerskin Leather. They added a rawhide soles to the bottom. The crafter created the beadwork using 11/0 seed beads. These moccasins measure 9.5″ long x 3.5″ wide at the instep. (About a Women’s size 6 – 6.5 or an older Child’s 4 – 4.5). They stand about 2″ high at the cuff. The Leather Lacing Ties remain intact. The Beadwork has some bead loss and has had some minor repairs. The moccasins show soiling and staining but remain in good wearable condition.

One of Kind!

Northern Plains moccasins

Are traditional footwear crafted by Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. Artisans make them from soft-tanned deer or bison hide, ensuring comfort and durability. They construct the soles from rawhide, providing protection against rough terrain.

Crafters hand-sew these moccasins with sinew and embellish them with intricate beadwork, showcasing cultural identity and artistic expression. Designs vary, featuring geometric patterns and symbolic motifs that tell personal or communal stories. Many pairs incorporate quillwork, painted elements, or fringed accents, adding distinctive detail.

Shop more in our Clothing Section.

Check out more of our Educational Videos on our YouTube Channel.

Moccasins-Northern Plains

These Vintage Moccasins-Northern Plains Plains Style beaded moccasins feature colorful geometric designs. The crafter made them from Braintanned Deerskin Leather. They added a rawhide soles to the bottom. The crafter created the beadwork using 10/0 seed beads. These moccasins measure 10″ long x 4″ wide at the instep. They stand about 3″ high at the cuff. The Leather Lacing Ties remain intact. The moccasins show soiling and staining but remain in good wearable condition.

One of Kind!

Moccasins-Northern Plains are traditional footwear crafted by Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. Artisans make them from soft-tanned deer or bison hide, ensuring comfort and durability. They construct the soles from rawhide, providing protection against rough terrain.

Crafters hand-sew these moccasins with sinew and embellish them with intricate beadwork, showcasing cultural identity and artistic expression. Designs will vary and can feature geometric patterns and symbolic motifs that tell personal or communal stories. Many pairs incorporate quillwork, painted elements, or fringed accents, adding distinctive detail.

Shop more in our Clothing Section.

Check out more of our Educational Videos on our YouTube Channel.

Moccasins- Antique Northern Plains

These Moccasins- Antique Northern Plains Style are in good condition and ready to add to your collection! The crafter used Braintanned Deerskin Leather and Real Sinew to make them. They created a fully beaded geometric pattern using 11/0 Glass and Metal Seed Beads. The soles are Rawhide. The crafter added red fabric trim to the cuffs. You will see that someone has repaired one of the cuffs. You will find these Moccasins are in amazing condition for their age. The Leather is a bit stiff but there is no bead loss. These Moccasins- Antique Northern Plains measure 9.5″ long x 3.5″ at the widest point. They stand 3.5″ tall.

One of a Kind.

Northern Plains Style Moccasins

Indigenous crafters of the Great Plains make moccasins like these from soft-tanned deer or bison hide, ensuring comfort and durability. They construct the soles from rawhide, providing protection against rough terrain. Crafters hand-sew these moccasins with sinew and embellish them with intricate beadwork, showcasing cultural identity and artistic expression. Designs will vary and can feature geometric patterns and symbolic motifs that tell personal or communal stories. Many pairs incorporate quillwork, painted elements, or fringed accents, adding distinctive detail.

Shop more in out Clothing Section.

Check out more of our Educational Videos on our YouTube Channel.

Knife Sheath Beaded Rawhide

This handcrafted Knife Sheath Beaded Rawhide, inspired by Northern Plains traditions, will make a superb addition to your collection. To begin, the crafter cut the rawhide to shape, folded it in half, and secured it with brass tacks. He covered it with a hand-painted red wash that enhances the surface with depth and visual authenticity.

For practical function, the crafter cut a belt slot directly into the upper portion of the sheath. At the top, a 3.5″ x 4″ beaded panel, set onto a leather patch, showcases traditional colorwork—featuring white center red, cobalt blue, white, pink, and mustard yellow seed beads. The design reflects a timeless aesthetic sensibility rooted in cultural tradition. The crafter finished the panel’s edge with a rolled beading technique and fastened the top using imitation sinew.

Overall, the sheath measures 12″ long by 3.5″ wide. It comes with a knife with a 6.5″ steel blade and a 4.5″ inlayed wood handle. One of a Kind!

Crafters and reenactors consistently favor rawhide knife sheaths for their strength, rigidity, and historical authenticity. Specifically, those portraying 18th- and 19th-century frontiersmen, Native American artisans, or early settlers consider these sheaths essential for maintaining accuracy in period gear. Once shaped and dried, rawhide forms a firm, protective shell. As a result, hunters trust it to withstand harsh conditions in demanding environments.

In addition, Native traditions incorporate rawhide sheaths for both practical and ceremonial purposes. Artisans embellish them with beadwork, quillwork, or fringe, allowing each piece to express tribal identity, spiritual meaning, and personal artistry. Through these cultural enhancements, the sheath transcends mere utility and becomes a vivid expression of heritage and craftsmanship.

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Knife Sheath Rawhide Painted

This Reproduction Northern Plains Knife Sheath Rawhide Painted has a unique look. This handcrafted knife sheath, inspired by Northern Plains traditions, makes a striking and meaningful gift. The crafter began by cutting rawhide to shape, folding it in half, and stitching it securely with leather lacing. On the front the crafter hand-painted designs with Yellow, Red, Blue and Green wash. On the back, he painted black, yellow and blue lines.

For practical use, a Oval belt slot was cut directly into the upper portion. The sheath itself measures 15″ long by 5.5″ wide at the top and the bottom measures 4″ wide.

One of a Kind!

Crafters and reenactors favor rawhide knife sheaths for their strength, rigidity, and historical authenticity. Among those portraying 18th- and 19th-century frontiersmen, Native American artisans, or early settlers, these sheaths serve as essential gear that aligns with period-correct equipment. Once shaped and dried, rawhide forms a firm protective shell. As a result, hunters and bush crafters rely on it in rugged environments where gear must withstand tough conditions.
Moreover, Native traditions embrace rawhide sheaths for both practical and ceremonial purposes. Artisans enhance them with beadwork, quillwork, or fringe, allowing the sheath to reflect tribal identity, spiritual meaning, and personal artistry. In doing so, they transform a utilitarian tool into a powerful expression of cultural heritage.

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Check out more of our Educational Videos on Our YouTube Channel.