wahiloskó’s (quirts or horse whips) have served a variety of important functions throughout Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) culture. In terms of everyday use, wahiloskó’s (quirts) were used to control horses, but they have also served symbolic or ceremonial purposes in both warfare, as a way of encouraging/"urging" warriors into battle, and traditional páaxam (war dances), as a way to "keep order" among attendees.
This specific wahiloskó’s (quirt) likely served both utilitarian and warfare related functions due to its history. Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) chief hinmatóoyalahtq’it (Joseph) created and carried this wahiloskó's (quirt) throughout the Nez Perce War of 1877. The wahiloskó’s (quirt) was then given to David Williams, the next Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) chief succeeding hinmatóoyalahtq’it (Chief Joseph). This particular wahiloskó’s (quirt) is 30.5 cm in length, 5 cm in width (tapered), and constructed from wewúkye (elk) horn that has been polished. There are brass tacks inserted at the end. The lash itself is made from two pieces of attached commercial harness leather coming from the center of the wider base of the wahiloskó’s (quirt). A buckskin strap/thong used for carrying is attached through a hole near the narrower end of the wahiloskó’s (quirt).
Image 1: This photo provides an overview from above of the wahiloskó's (quirt). This particular wahiloskó’s (quirt) is 30.5 cm in length, 5 cm in width (tapered), and constructed from wewúkye (elk) horn that has been polished. There are brass tacks inserted at the lash end. The lash itself is made from two pieces of attached commercial harness leather coming from the center of the wider base of the wahiloskó’s (quirt). A buckskin strap/thong used for carrying is attached through a hole at the narrower end of the wahiloskó’s (quirt).
Image 2: This photo provides a second overview shot of the wahiloskó's (quirt), but this time focusing on the other side of the wahiloskó's (quirt). This side reveals two stickers related to museum cataloging information for the wahiloskó's (quirt). The brownish/orange sticker says "W.S.C. A2105" and the white sticker says "629."
Image 3: This photo shows additional zoomed in detail of the numerous brass tacks on the lash section of the wahiloskó's (quirt) and the leather straps/thongs.
Image 4: This photo shows detail of the numerous brass tacks on the lash section of the wahiloskó's (quirt).
Image 5: This photo showcases the brass detail of the narrower end/tip of the wahiloskó's (quirt). There is a single brass tack at this end of the wahiloskó's (quirt) and one can see the graining in the polished wewúkye (elk) horn base.
Image 6: This photo displays detail of the lash end of the wahiloskó's (quirt), including the brass tacks affixed to the wewúkye (elk) horn base, the lash made of commercial leather straps, and the buckskin strap used for carrying the wahiloskó's (quirt). In this photo, one can see some of the graying animal fur/hair on the buckskin strap.
Image 7: This photo displays detail of the buckskin handle used for carrying the wahiloskó's (quirt). One can see green coloring on the buckskin material that has faded over time.
