To survive, the nomadic Indian cultures of the Great Plains had to be able to move an entire village at a moments notice to avoid marauders and government troops and to follow the buffalo and other wild game upon which their subsistence depended. The artistry of the Plains Indians then was manifested solely upon their personal effects that had to fit quickly and economically into packs for the horses or dogs to pull and carry. Breakables and frivolous items were out of the question.
