Native American / First Nations, Northern United States / Canada, Great Lakes Region, Cree / Ojibwe, ca late 19th to early 20th century CE. A dazzling bandolier "bag" that does not have a pocket, the piece comprised of wool felt and cotton cloth with gorgeous beadwork and hide tassels. The early versions are fashioned after European ammunition shoulder bags, but the Indigenous made bandoliers did not have pockets and were purely ceremonial and prestige items for decoration. The main square panel front is entirely covered in beading - red lily flowers on a blue lane-stitched ground and the technique to create the curving petals and scrolling strap beadwork is known as applique or spot stitching. The beadwork was done by women while men generally wore the finished piece across one shoulder and resting at their hip, and they were popular amongst many Woodland tribes and traded with Southern and Plains tribes as well. The fabric is in great condition with superb beadwork! Size: 44.5" L x 17" W (113 cm x 43.2 cm)

Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000

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#179769

Some small holes to orange wool verso and cotton from old inactive insect activity. Small tears and fraying to seams, but overall excellent condition. Beading has a few minor losses but is largely intact and tightly sewn.