Bag, Bandolier

Bag, Bandolier

Bag, Bandolier

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Introduction

This bandolier bag was hand sewn with cotton velveteen and floral patterns beaded with applique in various shades of greens, blues, yellows, pinks, whites and more. The presence of velveteen dates it to 1875 or later and appears to be Anishinaabe or Ojibwe and likely from Minnesota or Wisconsin. This was donated by Zoe Cobb, the wife of collector Seth W. Cobb, in 1914.

Nation of Maker: Anishinaabe
Date Made or Date Range: 1875 or later
Materials

Cotton-velveteen in brown, sewn largely on canvas back, wool tape (faded, possibly from black), some commercial cotton thread in several colors (black, brown); applique stitch, beading on canvas; dirty beads size 11 in shades of green(7), shades of blue(6), shades of yellow/gold(3), shades of rose/pink (4), shades of brown(1), shades of white(3), greasy (mainly opaque with some translucency): dusty rose, dark turquoise, white, lime green, minty green; --strap similar colors but not exactly the same as the body; tassels: red yarn, greenish grey tubular beads. Cotton sateen on back. Patch of floral printed Calico on the back.

Techniques or Format

Floral patterns beaded outside in (outline, vein, fill-in), spirals beaded inside out, background beaded last, all applique; all hand sewn. Tassels: thread and thin string.

Motifs and Patterns

Movement, asymmetrical design, except for center panel. Blueberry motif: quintessential berry, used in preserves, important food both nutritious and medicinal, large part of Indian trade market. Wild roses. Some pieces stylized, others more realistic

Dimensions: 5.75 × 11 × 0 in
Condition: Some loose beads, some wear, overall somewhat fragile. A few tassels detached.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

AGG and CW based on presence of cotton-velvet (velveteen): comes into fur trade market.

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1914 030 0003
Link to Institution's Collections Database: Bandolier Bag
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1914
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Mrs. Zoe D. Cobb
Previous Collectors: Hon. Seth W. Cobb
GKS Reference Number: 24830
Approximate Place of Origin

43.0612, -78.4489