Deer skin bag lined with patterned fabric on a cream background. Decorated externally (except bottom) with glass beads in white (background), blue, red, green, yellow and blue to form zoomorphic (elk and bison) and geometric figures. The flaps are bordered internally by a double band of cream-coloured lace. Nine metal rattles and three dangling strands of metal conterie are attached along the outer edge. On the flaps are two leather ties on each side. On the bottom, to the part on which the child's head rested, is sewn a rectangular leather decorated entirely on both sides with white (background), red, yellow and blue conteries forming geometric patterns and parallel lines
The mother would place the infant in it after stuffing the bottom with moss, bison dung or rabbit fur, which had an absorbent function. The cradle was either propped or hung to allow the mother to work, or carried on her back and secured by means of a leather band that encircled the chest and arms crosswise. The decorative geometric patterns, “many points” and parallel lines symbolize pregnancy scenes for the Dakota people; the trident motif symbolizes rain and the central symbol the four directions.
