Maskimot; Bag

Maskimot; Bag

Maskimot; Bag

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Introduction

This relative, a Nehiyawak or Metis style maskimot ᒪᐢᑭᒧᐟ (bag), includes two horizontal bands of loomed quillwork and ribbon work appliqué, as well as deerhide fringe. Tapering at the bottom, the base material of this bag is composed of a dark blue stroud, or dense felted wool, and blue silk binding. The maker of this work is unrecorded, and its origins are unclear, but it was added to the Jasper Grant Collection, which dates to 1805-1809.

This relative currently resides at the National Museum of Ireland.

 

Name of Maker(s): Unrecorded
Maker role: Artist
Nation of Maker: Nehiyawak (Western Plains Cree)
Nation of Origin

This relative is of Nēhiyawēwin/Plains Cree or Metis origin.

Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

The horizontal woven quillwork suggests Nēhiyawēwin/Plains Cree or Metis origin.

Date Made or Date Range: 1805-1809
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

GRASAC researcher notes from the July 20, 2010 visit.

Materials

Dark blue stroud, blue silk ribbon binding, peach (possibly red faded) blue and white silk ribbon applique; blue, white, red yellow quills, wool yarn; white and powder blue pony beads on edges of loomed quillwork, deerhide fringe attached to bottom of loomed quillwork, white cotton thread used to sew silk ribbonwork

Techniques or Format

Bag tapers toward the bottom.

Motifs and Patterns

Geometric designs.

Original and Subsequent Uses

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

Dimensions: 0 × 16 × 24.9 cm
Condition: The condition is excellent, with some fading and some moth damage on the back.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

This relative was collected as part of the Jasper Grant Collection, which was established in 1805-1809.

Current Location: National Museum of Ireland
Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1902.320
Collection at Current Location: Jasper Grant Collection
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: Jasper Grant's grandson, Robert Ussher, donated the collection to the National Museum of Ireland in 1902.
Collection Narratives and Histories

Jasper Grant (1762-1812), Anglo-Irish officer who spent 9 years in Canada between 1800-1809. Served as commandant of Fort George in the Niagara Peninsula and of Fort Malden at Amherstburg opposite Detroit. It is likely that his wife, Isabella Grant, played a significant role in the collection of items given her close relationship to Madeline Askin Richardson, the daughter of a prominent fur trader and merchant with extensive ties to the surrounding Indigenous communities.

Exhibition History

In 1984-1985 the Jasper Grant Collection was featured in a special travelling exhibition for the Ontario bicentennial, which was organized by the McMichael Canadian Collection and entitled "Patterns of Power."

Publication History

Phillips, Ruth. Patterns of Power. Kleinburg, On.: McMichael Canadian Collection, 1984.

Sources to Learn More

Philips, Ruth B. (1986-87). “Jasper Grant and Edward Walsh: the Gentleman-Soldier as Early Collector of Great Lakes Indian Art.” Journal of Canadian Studies 21(4): 56-71.

GKS Reference Number: 1365
How to Cite this Item

Maker, Name unrecorded. Bag. GRASAC ID 1365. National Museum of Ireland Collection 1902.320.

Record Creation Notes/Observations

This record was augmented by Dana Murray on June 20, 2024. It draws on information recorded 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, and it was funded by a SSHRC Aboriginal Research Grant.

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