Woven Bag

NameBag

CultureOjibwa/ Winnebago

Datec. 1900

Place madeGreat Lakes Region, United States, North America

MediumWool

Dimensions22 × 30 in. (55.8801 × 76.2002 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.1088

Object numberA.1995.93.1088

Collections

The Lloyd Cotsen & Neutrogena Collection

DescriptionThe bag has the shape of a slightly tapered rectangle. There are bands of bright multi-colors alternating between light and dark with perpendicular bands of diamond shapes in groups of three. These diamond shapes create even more bold and optical effects by being two-toned and by being dark when on a light background and light when on a dark background. The top is twined with a raised edge, and there is a twined cord attaching to one side. The design is reminiscent of early southwestern weavings. Colors are bright: turquoise, red, purple, blues, yellow, off-white, brown, black; made of twined wool yarns. This Ojibwa weaving could date to earlier than mid-19th century, per Ken Canfield. It was purchased from an Ojibwa family at Red Lake and had been used as a wrapper for a religious carving relating to the Mide cult. However, other reed mats have been described as household furnishings. (See examples in the Field Museum and the Logan Museum at Beloit College). Warp is basswood fiber, weft is reed (natural colors). There is a purple design from a vegetal dye.