bag, beaded

bag, beaded

bag, beaded

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Introduction

This relative is a small beaded Hodenosaunee or Huron-Wendat purse with side gussets. It was acquired by the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1941, through an exchange with the Philadelphia Museum.

This relative currently resides within the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. 

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded
Maker role: Artist
Nation of Maker: Hodenosaunee/Haudenosaunee Huron-Wendat
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

The catalogue card lists this item as Huron. It resembles beaded bags made by the Hodenosaunee.

Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Museum documentation and the GRASAC research team.

Materials

black velvet; pink silk ribbon; green silk; cotton; size 12 opaque white glass beads; size 14 glass beads in white, blue, mustard, red, lavender, green, clear; paper; beige thread.

Techniques or Format

Each side is made from a piece of black velvet with a scalloped-edged upper flap, under which is a pocket. The sides are edged with pink silk ribbon and beaded scalloped edging, and joined together by a green silk gusset. Both sides are decorated with slightly raised beadwork.

Motifs and Patterns

This bag is decorated with floral motifs framed by lines or bands of beadwork.

Original and Subsequent Uses

This type of beaded Chatelaine bag was often made by the Hodenosaunee to sell to Victorian tourists in the Niagara region. Chatelaine refers to a formal waist bag popular among 19th century women.

Dimensions: 15.5 × 15.3 × 0 cm
Condition: This bag has a handle made of a thin, tan fabric which has detached from the bag.
Current Location: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 41-24-18; Other Number-46
Link to Institution's Collections Database: https://www.penn.museum/collections/object/136083
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1941
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Exchange with the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Collection Narratives and Histories

This bag was acquired by the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1941, through an exchange with the Philadelphia Museum.

Exhibition History

Native American Voices: The People-Here and Now (March 1st, 2014)

GKS Reference Number: 25366
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Bag, beaded. GRASAC ID 25366. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 41-24-18.

Record Creation Context

GRASAC study visit, participants: David Penney, Ruth Phillips, Stacey Loyer, William Wierzbowski, December 3, 2009
This record was augmented by Joy Kruse on July 7th, 2024.

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