Bag

Bag

1900s
Culture
Nez Perce
Object
bag
Medium
cornhusk, wool, and leather
Accession Number
1938.769
Credit Line
Native Arts acquisition fund

Nez Perce artist, Bag, 1900s. Cornhusk, wool, and leather; 9⅞ x 7½ in. Denver Art Museum: Native Arts acquisition fund, 1938.769

Dimensions
length: 9 7/8 in, 25.0825 cm; width: 7 1/2 in, 19.05 cm
Department
Native Arts
Collection
Indigenous Arts of North America
Large, flat bags of this type were originally made as storage bags for food and woven of dogbane or Indian hemp—a natural insect deterrent. The broad surface provided a canvas for basketry artists eager to decorate such an open space, and the light tan color of cornhusks made an attractive contrast. Now artists use commercial wool yarn to create even bigger and bolder designs. A notable feature of these bags is the completely different design on each side.
Known Provenance
Grace Nicholson [1877-1948] (Treasure House of Oriental ~Western Art Art Galleries), from Pasadena, CA, before 1938; Denver Art Museum, 1938.