View two: Swan hide bag

This bag was made in order to keep the pieces of the pipe together and intact while not in use. It is made out of two swan foot skins and was dyed with red ochre to give it a vibrant color.  It has two of its claws still attached. The significance of swan skin is that while some peoples would eat birds, swans were the only bird that no one could eat. It was believed that swans were connected to a higher power through being a messenger for the gods and being known for having many other forms of divine essence to them throughout history.