Bag

Bag

Bag

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Introduction

This relative, a large pouch or bag, features cross or tomahawk motifs in zigzag band quillwork, which covers the central panel. There are two serpentine motifs on the sides, and the bottom is cut into triangular tabs. Although the origins of this relative are not certain, it has probable ties to the Anishinaabe or Sioux from the Western Great Lakes. It is believed to have been made in the late 18th or early 19th century.

This relative currently resides in the National Museum of Ireland.

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded
Maker role: Artist
Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe Sioux
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Triangular tabs, boldness of the design suggest possible Western Great Lakes origin

Date Made or Date Range: late 18th or early 19th century
Materials

black dyed deer or moose skin; red, yellow, and black porcupine quills; white pony glass beads, small brass cones; red dyed deer hair, one white striped cylindrical black glass trade bead, sinew, green silk ribbon

Techniques or Format

one smaller panel of hide completely covered with vertical bands of zigzag quillwork sewn on to larger single panel of hide cut into seven triangular tabs at the bottom. The quilled panel forms a pocket. two wavy lines of yellow quill embroidery in zigzag band stitch sewn along the side panels, ribbon loops on top two corners

Motifs and Patterns

wavy serpentine lines, two red vertical lines crossed by horizontal hourglass shapes against a yellow panel set into a red panel

Other Notes

The structure of this pouch is similar to the early bandolier bags with woven beaded panels and rectangular tabs, suggests possible central or western Great Lakes origin

Condition: excellent, strap missing
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

National Museum of Ireland records and GRASAC research notes.

Current Location: National Museum of Ireland
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1890:497
Source for Provenance information

National Museum of Ireland records.

GKS Reference Number: 26371
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Bag. GRASAC ID: 26371. National Museum of Ireland Collection, 1890:497.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

This record was augmented by Dana Murray on November 2, 2024. It was informed by the notes and images collected during the GRASAC trip to the National Museum of Ireland on July 20, 2010. Participants included Alan Corbiere, Bnehns Corbiere, Crystal Migwans, Nikolaus Stolle, and Ruth Phillips, who were funded by a SSHRC Aboriginal Research Grant.

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