Par Fleche Leather Christmas Ornament

Designs vary.  Let us choose or call for your preference and availabilty
 
Par fleche is a French term which translates as “By Arrow”.  In the 19th century, Ute Indians made par fleche of special hand-scraped rawhide parcels to hold valuables. Debra Box is a Southern Ute Indian who makes various object of par fleche rawhide. These lightweight rectangular leather ornaments are painted with earth pigments in traditional Ute designs. These designs are distinctive, and they show well on a southwest Christmas tree. Debra’s work wins prizes at Indian Markets. Each par fleche ornament is three inches by an inch and a half (7.5 cm. X 3.8 cm.) Three sterling silver jump rings and beads dangle from the bottom edge.
 
To make par fleche leather is a labor of love. Debra uses techniques like those her grandmother and great-grandmother used. Debra buys cowhides. She tans the leather herself in the traditional way.