Materials

blackened deerskin; porcupine quills; furred hide (fur missing); possibly sinew(?)

Techniques or Format

Back of bag is made of blackened deer hide sewn with possibly sinew, the top that extends above the bag opening has been ornamented with quill edging, and a rectangular panel of porcupine quills applied in zigzag band technique bordered with quillwork applied in simple line technique. The front panel is made of furred hide. Blackened deerskin with scalloped or sawtooth bottom forms a flap over the furred hide and is ornamented with quill edging. At the top of the flap is a rectangular panel of porcupine quills applied in zigzag band technique bordered with quillwork applied in simple line technique. The bottom of the flap is ornamented with four quilled circles done in zigzag band, outlined and connected with quillwork applied in the simple line technique.

Motifs and Patterns

Circles, triangles and hourglass shapes

Dimensions: 27 × 16.5 × 0 cm

Condition: Very poor. Bag feels very dry and brittle. Fur missing from front of bag, some of the quills that appear white are faded from blue-green (visible on the underside from a hole in the backing hide). Strap missing.

Current Location: Denver Art Museum, CO, USA

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1952.537

GKS Reference Number: 25523

Record Creation Context

Visit to Denver Art Museum of Alex Nahwegahbow and Ruth Phillips, assisted by Eric Berkemeyer and Kristin Strid on 22 Jan 2014.