Tepee Back Rest, circa 1880

Antique circa 1880 Blackfeet Teepee (tipi) backrest. Constructed of stripped willow and adorned with red stroud cloth (trade cloth). This 19th century Plains back rest was created in the traditional form with three poles for support. The Blackfeet/Blackfoot tribe, part of the Plains Indian Culture Group, is native to the Northern Plains including present-day Montana, Idaho, and Alberta, Canada.