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pouch
pouch
pouch
This relative is a hide pouch, with a black smoked front panel, unblackened back panel, and an unblackened strap featuring quill embroidery. It also has an unusually large number of tinkle cones compared to other bags. The strap has been sewn to the pouch and features bilateral asymmetric designs including elongated foliate and lobed designs. There are also designs on the strap that resemble elements of the Union Jack. The pouch has an unusual dual four-direction motif with floral and curving motifs. There is a metal button for decoration. The design suggests the pouch is Wendat, though its shape is reminiscent of Delaware bags.
This relative currently resides at the Ethnologisches Museum Berlin, Germany.
Museum records indicate "Huron," GRASAC researchers identified this pouch with Huron Wendat based on the motifs, though the shape also shared features with Delaware bags.
Museum documentation and GRASAC research visit.
Read More About This Relative
hide; quill; metal button; tinkle cone; deer hair
The pouch is constructed from at least two, possibly three, pieces plus the strap. The back piece is thicker. The front piece and flap are thinner, but it is difficult to tell if this flap is a separate piece, or part of the front flap. Laura Peers suspects the flap and front panel are one piece. There is quill work on the top edging that gives the appearance of joining the flap to the front panel, but it is likely the quill work is decorative. The button is decorative--it is not possible to unbutton it. However, this is a true pouch as it opens at the top.
The strap is a separate piece that has been sewn on. There is no evidence of tinkle cones being attached to the strap.
The strap has blue and red elongated foliate motifs on one side. On the other side of the strap are white and red three-lobed designs, and red, white and blue "Union Jack"-like motifs: a square outlined in blue with a white cross and a red X inside.
On the front panel of the bag is a dual four-directions motif. In the foreground is a blue cross with flanges in blue and red. In the background is a red cross with red and blue flanges on the ends. There are curvilinear designs and quilled borders around the perimeter of the flap.
The button is unmarked (it has no military characteristics).
GRASAC researchers identified a number of elements that are quite distinctive with this relative. Only the front panel is blackened; the back panel and strap are not. The central panel double four-direction motif is uncommon. Laura Peers and Alan Corbiere observed how the dual four-direction motif has a floral quality to it. They also noted that it looks like the maker ran out of room when they were creating the double curve motif that can be found on the top and sides of the front panel design, but not at the bottom. Laura Peers noted the density of tinkle cones is usual for a bag like this, and creates a different aesthetic from other pieces in the collection. She also cautioned that the Union Jack motifs may or may not represent flags.
Measurements are approximate and draw from the catalogue card.
The date 1825 is found within Museum documentation; Laura Peers noted that would be the latest date she would expect for a bag such as this.
Provenance
The Museum purchased the pouch from Arthur Speyer in 1968. More information is provided on the catalogue card in German (see photo).
Other Catalogue Identifiers: file no.: VI/4/68
Museum documentation
About This GRASAC Record
Wendat Maker, Name Unknown. Pouch. GRASAC ID 59172. Ethnologisches Museum Berlin, Catalogue Number IV-B-12825.
Created by Nikolaus Stolle during a research visit to the museum commissioned by Ruth Phillips and supported by her research funds. This record was augmented by Cara Krmpotich on March 14, 2024 using photographs and notes produced during a GRASAC research visit to the Museum in May 2019. Present were Cara Krmpotich, Alan Corbiere, Laura Peers, Maureen Matthews and Hannah Turner and Charles Feaver on photography. Curator Monika Zessnik supported the team throughout the visit.