Knife sheaths were part of a man’s regular outfit in the 1800s, and even beautifully porcupine quilled pieces like this one were worn everyday. This sheath is part of the Bishop Whipple Collection. Whipple was Minnesota’s first Episcipalian minister, appointed in 1859. He was an avid collector of Native American artwork, and an advocate for the American Indians living in the area.

This fine knife sheath is a favorite of many staff at The Science Museum of Minnesota, mainly for its beauty and the high quality of the porcupine quillwork. Traditionally, women were the principal quill artists, but today both men and women do this type of work. To make a sheath like this, softened and flattened porcupine quills are attached to a leather backing with thread, creating intricate patterns. This sheath incorporates both natural quills and quills colored with a blue dye.

I particularly like the tin cone tinklers that edge the body of this sheath, and imagine the wonderful jingling sound they must have made when worn.
- Tilly Laskey, Curator of Ethnology