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Quiver and arrows

Apache, Native American

Not on view


In pre-reservation life, men used quivers and arrows for hunting and war. Even after firearms became available through trade with Euro-Americans, hunters often still preferred the bow. The painted and beaded pattern on this quiver symbolizes protective sacred powers; the design is reminiscent of those seen on warriors’ robes, shirts, and caps. Paired crescents enclose a diamond and a cruciform, which likely represents a spirit being. Together, the elements depict dynamic supernatural energy.

Quiver and arrows, Quiver: tanned leather, glass beads, and pigment arrows: cane, wood, pitch, stone, sinew, and feathers, Apache, Native American

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Quiver and arrows, Quiver: tanned leather, glass beads, and pigment arrows: cane, wood, pitch, stone, sinew, and feathers, Apache, Native American
Quiver and arrows, Quiver: tanned leather, glass beads, and pigment arrows: cane, wood, pitch, stone, sinew, and feathers, Apache, Native American
Quiver and arrows, Quiver: tanned leather, glass beads, and pigment arrows: cane, wood, pitch, stone, sinew, and feathers, Apache, Native American
Quiver and arrows, Quiver: tanned leather, glass beads, and pigment arrows: cane, wood, pitch, stone, sinew, and feathers, Apache, Native American
Quiver and arrows, Quiver: tanned leather, glass beads, and pigment arrows: cane, wood, pitch, stone, sinew, and feathers, Apache, Native American

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