Man's Shoulder Bag
c. 1875–1900
Medium
Linen, cotton cloth, and glass beads
Dimensions
80.7 × 28.8 × 1 cm (31 3/4 × 11 5/16 × 3/8 in.); With fringe: H.: 92.4 cm (36 7/16 in.)
Classification
beadwork
Department
Arts of the Americas
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
156578
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Man's Shoulder Bag, crafted by the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) people 1875–1900, the artistry of Great Lakes Native American beadwork Made from linen and cotton cloth—likely traded European materials—and adorned with vibrant glass beads, the bag measures 80.7 28.8 × 1 cm, extending to 92.4 cm with its fringe. Such shoulder bags were practical accessories for men, used to carry essentials like pipes, tobacco, or personal items during travel or ceremonies. Beadwork like this flourished in the late 19th century amid cultural transitions, as Ho-Chunk communities adapted traditional techni...