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Shoulder Bag

Date: c. 1885
Medium: Wool fabric and yarn, cotton fabric and thread, glass beads, metal buttons
Dimensions: Overall, including fringe: 10 1/2 x 11 7/8 inches (26.7 x 30.2 cm)
Bag: 15 x 11 7/8 inches (38.1 x 30.2 cm)
Width of strap: 5 3/4 inches (14.6 cm)
Length of fringe: 5 1/2 inches (14 cm)
Credit Line: Founders Society Purchase
Object number: 81.297
Rectangular bag with wide shoulder strap made of navy blue wool (plain weave) and red wool commercial edging (oblique 2/2 interlacing). At top of bag, on red band, are three floral embroidery motifs and two metal buttons. Panels of loom-woven beadwork (two strand weft twining, bead replace twist) are attached to shoulder strap and bag. The panels have complex geometric motifs on a white background. The panel on the bag is bordered by a narrow black stripe. The panel on the strap is bordered by two blue bands with a twisted yellow ribbon motif. Thirteen beaded appendages, each ending in red and blue necklace beads and a red yarn tassel, fringe the bottom of the bag. Bag and strap are backed by beige fabric. Red commercial edging borders the strap on both sides and extends down the sides of the bag to the bottom of the fringe. Colors of beadwork: pink, blue, yellow, green, red, orange, white, black and turquoise.
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