Strike a Lite Bag Arapaho Green

Northern Plains Style Strike-A-Lite Bag

Add a bit of history and art to your collection with this lovely beaded Arapaho Green Strike a Lite Bag. The crafter started with soft, brain-tanned deerskin leather. They hand-stitched a bold geometric beadwork design on the front using the lazy stitch method. This classic technique adds depth and texture to the pattern. It has bright colors like greasy yellow, white-center red, pink, white, red, and two shades of green made with 11/0 seed beads.

The bag’s closure tie and neck strap are made from brain-tanned deerskin lacing, offering both strength and authenticity. Tin cones with brown horsehair and brass beads decorate the closure tie. They add a lively touch that suggests movement and sound. A beaded leather panel at the bottom makes two elegant drops. One drop has a brass bead and a tin cone. Eight more tin cone drops line the bottom edge. They create a soft jingle with every step.

This Arapaho Green Strike a Lite Bag measures about 3 inches wide and 8.5 inches long, including the tin cones. It is both a useful accessory and a collector’s item. Whether worn, displayed, or gifted, it carries the spirit of craftsmanship and cultural pride.

One of a Kind!

A strike-a-lite bag is a small pouch. It is often decorated in a detailed way. Native Americans, especially from the Central and Southern Plains, traditionally used it. They carried fire-starting tools like flint, steel strikers, and tinder in this bag. These bags served both practical and symbolic purposes, often reflecting the artistry and cultural identity of the maker.

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