Lenape (Delaware) Quilled Neck Knife Sheath by Mike Taylor and a Wood Handled Scalp Knife With Four Pointed Brass Star by Todd Bitler

This is replica of a 1760s sheath featured in William C. Orchard's book The Technique Of Porcupine Quill Decoration Among The Indians Of North America. This ornate sheath has several different quill techniques which include single quill zigzag, two quill zigzag, single line technique, and single line edge beading. Quill colors used in this sheath consist of naturally dyed red, yellow, black and natural porcupine quills; Natives were experts at finding natural dyes from plant matter and different barks and using natural mordants to obtain these vibrant colors. This sheath is made with natural dyed blackish-brown smoked braintanned deer hide. The pocket that holds the knife is lined with birch bark as were many originals. The naturally dyed red deer hair fill the hand rolled brass cones and are topped off with #8 white trade beads which also border the outline of the sheath.

This hand forged knife has a long thin blade that resembles a table knife. The blade is thin and tapers from the back to the point and retains good flex and a razor sharp edge. The tang of the blade is notched into the front of the handle and secured with copper pins. The handle is made from osage orange and swells on the end where a brass four pointed star is inletted. The brass star in stamped with my touchmark as seen in the photo. The knife has been aged to resemble a well-used original.

Copy and photos supplied by Todd Bitler.