Shoulder Bag

ca. 1850; Chippewa; Wool, beads; height 73 cm (29 in.); Founders Society Purchase; 81.78

Creating and wearing articles of dress and formal clothing is an important means of cultural expression among Native American people. This elaborately decorated pouch, with a broad shoulder strap, was worn as part of an ensemble for ceremonial and social events. The method of double-weft bead weaving, requiring the use of a box-loom, quickly became the most popular technique employed throughout the Great Lakes and is still used today.

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