RARE COMANCHE COUGAR OR MOUNTAIN LION HIDE BOW CASE AND

Circa 1880-1890 One-of-a-Kind Complete Southern Plains Comanche Set, osage orange bow and three arrows, circa 1870, in brain tanned hide retaining the hair of the Cougar, an animal that was very difficult to hunt and and required an act of bravery to kill. The only Cougar Quiver set that experts in the field have seen. Remarkably the case retains its drawstring, extra bow string of woven sinew, a beaded handle awl, and a beaded 'strike-a-light' bag, geometric designs done in European trade beads.The osage orange bow retains its original sinew wrap, a very strong yet flexible design, valued at the level of a good horse, the entirety combines to present a full warrior's outfit, seldom found intact. 42" case plus 6" fringe, 45" bow.Outstanding condition, retaining most of the hair on the hide. The bow itself is extremely valuable since it is fashioned from osage orange and backed with sinew, valued as equal to a horse, prime barter bows had great hardness, a fiber that would not shrink yet would be elastic in their pull. Provenance: Purchased commercially by the consignor from Sherwood Spirit of America in Santa Fe, NM., includes documentation with signed letter from Michael D. Kokin, owner of that shop, dated Nov 17, 2004.