A French term for rawhide shields, parfleche later referred to any type of article made of rawhide. Later, however the name was used specifically for a Native American rawhide container used for carrying food or clothing.

A parfleche is made from large pieces of rawhide, which is the conditioned, or tanned hide of an animal. It can be made from the hide of many different animals such as buffalo, deer, antelope, and cattle.

The painted geometric designs are coated with a weak glue to protect the surface.

The parfleche in this exhibition is typical of Cheyenne style of the early 1800s. At that time a society of Cheyenne women directed rawhide crafts and were able to maintain traditional methods and styles.

A parfleche was attached to the saddle on a horse, in the same manner as a modern saddlebag.