Mid 19th Century rawhide saddle over wood. From the size it was for a woman or youth. A peg on the front was used for many things - a cradleboard, quirt, rope, but also to suspend the sling seat which went front to back. There's a slit on the back side where a wooden peg was inserted to hold the back end of the sling. The corner ties of brain tanned buffalo remain. Patina to spare.
PERIOD: Mid 19th Century
ORIGIN: Great Plains - Unknown, Native American