Native American Patriotic Flag and Teepee Hand-Made Knife Sheath by Janice "Osalita" Signed

This exquisite knife sheath is a genuinely useful and collectible item. This sheath is made of genuine brain-tanned deer hide, which is a Native American technique of tanning that makes leather particularly soft and supple. It is also an expensive quality that has a nice smoked smell. The flag and teepee-pattern sheath features some extra dressing, like a red white and blue United States flag, red and blue tee pees and a light blue background. The front is entirely covered in lazy stitch bead work. It has a hand-cut 6" fringe down the length. The braided leather strap is 18-1/2" long with 5" fringe extending past the rim. This sheath is 9-1/4" long from knife tip to rim and will fit a knife blade 8-1/4" to 9-1/4". Any longer and you risk punching through the sheath. The interior of the rim is 3" wide. A 3-1/4" long belt loop is attached to the back. Hand-made by a Native American artist and signed "Osalita," this knife sheath is absolutely one-of-a-kind - the artist creatively designs as she goes.

This item is accompanied by a statement signed by the artist verifying her Native American status and the hand-made nature and overall quality of the piece.

Sheath only. Knife not included.

Janice "Osalita" Biography

Janice "Osalita" was born in Texas and raised in Arizona. Her parents are both artists who worked secular jobs and raised Janice and her sisters in a normal Christian home. From the first time she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said, "An artist."

She began the craft of Scrimshaw in 1977 and with help and advice from her father, also a Scrimshander, she progressed from making necklaces and earrings to larger pieces that required three months to complete. Her best pieces of ivory Scrimshaw are in the private collections of long-time customers. Janice continues to produce this work at special request.

Years later she began to produce beadwork, starting small and working up to the more difficult pieces. She takes great effort producing the most natural Native American utilitarian items such as pipe bags, knife sheaths, purses/bags, amulets and clothing with genuine reflection to the past. She makes each beaded object an original. This uniquely creative work has led her to the special feeling she now has for her ancestors of Native American heritage. Her father's side of the family is the source of her Choctaw Indian heritage. Her mother's side of the family is where she gets her Cherokee Indian heritage. Her ability to solve creative problems is a gift from her mother.

Janice presently lives in Gold Canyon, Arizona at the foothills of the Superstition Mountains with her husband and a number of cottontail rabbits, birds and squirrels that her husband feeds in their back yard. Her three grown sons live nearby and continue to be a source of great joy for her. Her favorite thing to do when she is not beading is to go fishing.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted Indian art. And, we recognize it's important to know that the artist is truly a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC