North America, the Columbia Plateau, Nez Perce, ca. 1875 CE. A flat twined cornhusk bag adorned with contrasting woven design programs on each side. One one side, a diamond pattern of red, orange, blue, green hues on a natural background. On the verso, a repeated triangular motif of red, blue, pink, and pale lavendar also against the natural ground. On this side, two tan leather loops were sewn presumably through which a strap could be threaded. A light beige leather and suede trim with some plaited cording attached lines the rim of the bag as well. The indigenous peoples of the Columbia Plateau have a longstanding tradition of woven bags and basketry created in the winter months, following the spring and summer harvests and food processing activities. As far back as 1805, Lewis and Clark were gifted with berries and roots contained in such woven works. Native weavers made flat twined cornhusk bags adorned with beautiful geometric designs, sometimes with different design motifs on each side, as we see in this example. Because these woven bags demanded great labor and skill, and the resulting finished pieces were so beauteous, examples like these were prized possessions, passed along from family to family, from tribe to tribe, and from generation to generation. Size: 16-1/2" x 11" (41.9 x 27.9 cm).

According to the Nez Perce National Historical Park Museum Collections website, "Reservation life limited access to wetlands where raw materials had always been gathered. Commercial fibers such as cornhusk, wool and cotton twine replaced gathered materials. These were available at first through trade, and then in general stores. Weavers made flat twined cornhusk bags and round 'sally' bags from cornhusk, wool, and cotton twine."

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, James Caswell, Santa Monica, CA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#111113

Normal wear and fading to weaving. One small hole on diamond side. Otherwise in excellent condition.