Bag, tabbed

Bag, tabbed

Bag, tabbed

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Introduction

A mid-19th century beaded Cree-type bag with floral designs and eight tabs, known as an "octopus bag". Likely made in the Eastern Subarctic. Originally part of the Norton Collection.

Nation of Maker: Eeyou (Eastern James Bay Quebec Cree)
Nation of Origin

Bag appears to be of Cree-type. Observations by RP.

Date Made or Date Range: 1850s to 1860s
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

GRASAC generated

Materials

Black woollen cloth; cotton lining; glass beads in several sizes including very small opaque white beads; dark pink silk ribbon, probably faded from red; large faceted yellow and black glass beads on hide thongs suspended from tabs, end in woolen tassels of yellow and red; fine passementerie trim sewn between base of bag and tabs.

Techniques or Format

Lined with coarsely woven cotton cloth, inside the top remnant of a strap and marks where there was stitching

Motifs and Patterns

Floral designs different on front and back, large white spirals on one side

Dimensions: 0 × 22.5 × 0 cm
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Museum documentation indicates c.1860

Current Location: Denver Art Museum, CO, USA
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1999.238
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1999
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Norton Collection
GKS Reference Number: 26011
Record Creation Context

Visit to Denver Art Museum of Alex Nahwegahbow and Ruth Phillips, assisted by Eric Berkemeyer and Kristin Strid on 21 Jan 2014.

Approximate Place of Origin

43.0703, -80.1184

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