coarse linen; glass beads, white, light and dark green, brown, light and dark blue, yellow, red, pink and drak coral; cotton, calico print; worsted fabric, burgundy

The bag's front is made of coarse linen. Spot-stitch beadwork decorates the front of the bag's body and strap. The edging material is rouched or gathered across the front edge of the panel. The bag has no pocket. The lining is all one piece, which is quite unusual.

The floral and leaf motifs found on the bag are typical Anishinaabe patterns. The asymmetry of shoulder motifs is also characteristic of Anishinaabe bags.

During this period, people would show up to treaty ceremonies wearing black European-style suits, and two or more of these bags. They functioned as a conspicuous display of tradition at a time when the mide and other traditions were being discouraged. (GRASAC research team notes). Collar for a saddle-horse. (Pitt Rivers Museum Object Catalogue item description).

Based on the bag's fabric lining, it was likely made between 1880 and 1910.

Donated to the Pitt Rivers Museum from Daneil Wood Herdman, Curator of the Cheltenham Museum in 1945. Was acquired by the Cheltenham Museum from Mrs. Ponsonby M.L. Carew.

This record was created as part of a Great Lakes Research Alliance for the Study of Aboriginal Arts and Cultures (GRASAC) research trip to the Pitt Rivers Museum and British Museum, December 8-22 2007, funded by a grant from the International Opportunities fund of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

researchers present: Heidi Bohaker (HB), Al Corbiere (AC), Stacey Loyer (SL), Janis Monture (JM), Laura Peers (LP), Ruth Phillips (RP), Anne De Stecher (AS), Cory Willmott (CW).