Drawstring pouch

Drawstring pouch

Drawstring pouch

top image
Images
Introduction

This relative, a small drawstring pouch, includes cross and hooked motifs. The pouch is composed of two rectangular bottom sections and one top panel sewn along one side. The top panel has been cut with slits for hide drawstring, with two looped handles tied at the top. Two separate thongs wrapped with quills are made to hang down the sides, with one ending with five glass wampum beads. The string of glass wampum beads is sewn along the side seams. The origins of the pouch are uncertain, however, it has probable connections to the Hodenosaunee or Mohawk and is believed to date to 1760-1800.

This relative currently resides at the National Museum of Ireland.

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded
Maker role: Artist
Nation of Maker: Hodenosaunee/Haudenosaunee
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

The 'hooked' motif under the cross on one side resembles Hodenosaunee motifs. This was also the region of service of Brunswick mercenaries.

Date Made or Date Range: 1760-1800
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

GRASAC researcher notes from the July 20, 2010 visit.

Materials

dark brown smoked deerskin possibly dyed with sumac, glass wampum beads in translucent blue, white, and green; porcupine quills in red, yellow, black, and faded green; white glass beads, vegetable fiber, metal cones, red dyed deer hair

Techniques or Format

Pouch of two rectangular bottom sections and one top panel sewn along one side, cut with slits for hide drawstring, two looped handles tied at top, two separate thongs wrapped with quills made to hang down the sides, one ends with five glass wampum beads; string of glass wampum beads sewn along side seams.

Motifs and Patterns

Cross on one side, opposed double hook motifs on other side.

Original and Subsequent Uses

The function of this relative was probably practical, but it may have also been cultural, symbolic, and communicative.

Condition: fair, signs of use and dirt.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

The Johnson papers include a document dated 1761-1763, which mentions green wampum beads. There is also a similarity to a pouch in Braunschweig, Germany, which is dated to the period of the American Revolution (1765-1783).

Current Location: National Museum of Ireland
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: N.N.: 1298
GKS Reference Number: 1348
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Pouch. GRASAC ID 1348. National Museum of Ireland Collection N.N.: 1298.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

This record was augmented by Dana Murray on June 8, 2024. It draws on information recorded during a GRASAC research trip to the National Museum of Ireland on July 20, 2010. Participants included Alan Corbiere, Bnehns Corbiere, Crystal Migwans, Nikolaus Stolle, Ruth Phillips assisted by Padraig Clancy.

Do You Have Knowledge to Contribute? Share with Us.