I can't remember where I first saw a twined Plateau Native "corn husk" bag of this type (typically described as Nez Perce, but made by other indigenous people of the Columbia Plateau region as well, including Yakama and Umatilla)--I believe in a museum collection, and I remember finding it just about the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Since then I've held a special reverence for them (and I'm not the only, these tend to be highly prized)--so when I had a chance to purchase this one, I jumped on it, including as a prompt to learn. And I would be very glad to keep this for myself.
Historically these bags--made using a flat twining technique, without the aid of a loom--were used for gathering and storing seasonal foods like berries and roots, and were also important objects of trade. While the manner of construction remained largely consistent, in the later 19th century commercially dyed wool yarns became common for use in the decoration, often combined with dyed cornhusk, as is the case here. (Detail photos show the use of both.) Always the design on each side is different, and one often finds these with one side more faded than the other, as product of how they were displayed, as is the case with this one. (I love the soft colors of the more faded side, and the color of the undyed husk is equally beautiful.)
10 1/2" x 8 3/4" n/a handle. Approx 4 1/2" drop on leather handle when pulled through to be even on both sides. Excellent structural condition. Based on a good bit of looking and learning, I believe this likely dates to the early 20th century, considering size, materials, design motifs, and patina. I find the "front" -- the side pictured in first photo--aged to perfection. The reverse side, displaying some of the more saturated original color of the dyed wool yarn (also visible on the unlined interior) shows some losses to the wool decoration. All as documented.
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