Materials

Brown thick-spun cotton backing, black velvet, green yarn, multicolored opaque and transparent glass beads, thread

Techniques or Format

The 'bag' and strap appear to have been made separately and attached where the velvet portion meets the strap. In addition, the strap was given a seam at the top to give it the unique, flared U shape that would have likely made it more comfortable to wear. The beads that create the motif appear to have been sewn, by hand, down onto the velvet and cotton backing. It is likely, however, that the white background of beads was constructed on a loom.

Motifs and Patterns

This bag utilizes a variety of geometrically interpreted floral imagery. The main motif, on the 'bag' portion features a single, twirling vine that has many species of flower, leaf, and fruit growing off of it. This pattern continues onto the velvet piece between the bag and the strap, and onto the straps themselves.

Original and Subsequent Uses

Bandolier bags were originally made by skilled women craftsmen to be worn by men in ceremonial contexts. Around the time this bag was likely made, bandolier bags were highly marketable tourist items. The bags that were purchased at a later date usually only served an artistic or anthropological purpose, as many of the pouches were actually sewn shut.

Dimensions: 0 × 17.78 × 63.5 cm

Condition: The bag is showing its age in many ways. Many beads have fallen off of the face of the bag, and there are shreds of thread and of the cotton backing showing through. In addition, one of the straps is beginning to fall off, and about three quarters of the tassels on the bottom of the bag have fallen off.

Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

The evidence of the influence of tourism visible in the floral pattern and closed-flap construction of the bag suggests this period. In addition, it bears a stylistic similarity to many other bags of this period.

Current Location: Pomona College Museum of Art, Claremont, CA, USA

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: P2125

GKS Reference Number: 866