red blanket fabric, wool binding (now brown, faded from blue), cotton lining/backing, wool tassels, glass beads (all size 10, dusty pink, green, navy, white, light blue, gold)

has shallow 'pocket' which has a depth only of the red flap, woven panel ends in Woven beaded panel sewn to front of pocket, appliqued beadwork on panel above pocket opening, a fastener attaches centre of top edge of pocket to back panel

Ruth Phillips: The beaded woven geometric designs on such bandolier bags often incorporate hourglass motifs, zig-zag lines, and other designs that can be interpreted as power lines, an iconography probably invented because of the need for traditional spiritual practices to go "underground" during colonial era

third quarter 19th century

Unknown artist, bandolier bag. Currently at National Museums Scotland, A.1956.1396. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip December 2007 in which the author took part; GRASAC item id 25004.

9 Apr 2007 Ruth Phillips, On-site researchers: Cory Willmott, Heidi Bohaker, Laura Peers, Ruth Phillips, Keith Jamieson, Alan Corbiere, Henrietta Lidchi, Robert Storrie, Chantal Knowles, Brenda McGoff