pouch, quilled

pouch, quilled

pouch, quilled

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Introduction

A rectangular pouch with two bands of zig-zag band quillwork in a style that resembles coats collected in the early 19th century in the Red River/Lake Winnipeg/Saulteaux area, possibly made in the early 19th century (c.1820). Probably made by an Anishinaabe, Maskêkowiyiniwak (Swampy Cree), Sakawiyiniwask (Woodland Cree), or Métis artist. Acquired by Cambridge University's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1934 from Mrs. Barry.

Nation of Maker: Métis Anishinaabe Maskêkowiyiniwak (Swampy Cree) Sakawiyiniwask (Woodland Cree)
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Based on the similarities of the quillwork to that found on coats from the Pembina region.

Date Made or Date Range: 1800 to 1820
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Museum documentation and the GRASAC research team.

Materials

moose-hide; porcupine quills, cream, red, blue, black; black metal cones; red woollen yarn; remnants of fur trim around the edge (may have been ermine)

Techniques or Format

The back is pieced, with a narrow strip sewn to the top to form the back. A fine zig-zag band stitch has been used on two panels of quillwork on the bag's face. There are three channels of quill-wrapped hide strips on the back's upper edge and one band on the front's upper edge. Two rows of metal cone tassels with red yarn are attached to base of the quilled panels.

Motifs and Patterns

Wavy lines and 'V' shapes

Condition: Very good
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Sherry Farrell-Racette notes the similarity of the quillwork to that on the Beltrami Coat in Bergamo, collected c. 1823.

Current Location: Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, UK
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1934.155
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1934
Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 1800-1934
Collection Narratives and Histories

Acquired by Cambridge University's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in 1934 from Mrs. Barry.

GKS Reference Number: 26464
How to Cite this Item

Unknown Anishinaabe, Maskêkowiyiniwak (Swampy Cree), Sakawiyiniwask (Woodland Cree), or Métis artist, pouch, quilled. Currently in the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 1934.155. Item photographed and described as part of a GRASAC research trip May 2009; GRASAC item id 26464.

Record Creation Context

This record was created as part of a GRASAC research trip to Cambridge University's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, May 4-9 2009.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

Participants: Trudy Nicks, Laura Peers, Alison Brown, Sherry Farrell-Racette, Rachel Hand, Ruth Phillips, Stacey Loyer, and Amber Berson.

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