Leather Embr Cushion on Wooden Bench

Bought this recently at a thrift shop in Pulaski, TN. I have NO IDEA what it is. If anyone has any intelligence on it, I would love to know it's purpose.

It is approximately 8" long x 4" deep x 4" tall.

The cushion seems to be real leather and is stuffed with straw (or something very stiff). It is embroidered on top (which seems to be by hand with a thick, shiny thread. The topstitching at the back closure looks like it might be machine. There is a self piping all around it.

The stand is made of wood, but seems to have a stain on it. There are metal tacks at the end of each point. There are nails in it and an old staple in the bottom.

I love and think it's really pretty. I bought it to decorate my son's (due in October 2014) bedroom. I am curious to find out what it is and where it comes from. My first piece of vintage Native American (I assume)!