by Object Type (5)
Arapaho Artist
Saddle Bag, n.d.
Beads on leather
18 5/8 x 15 3/8 x 11 in. (47.31 x 39.05 x 28 cm)
Creation Place:
North America, Native American
Technique:
Leatherworking and beadworking
Credit Line:
Gift of Mrs. Edward H. Angle
Accession Number:
P2104
Flat rectangular buckskin bag beaded on one side. Predominantly decorated with yellow "tipis" and red, white and blue geometric designs on light blue. Metal clamps and red tassels on the sides. Stepped rectangles contrast with smooth Sioux edges.
Materials
glass beads and leather
Attribution
See R. Conn report (1978).
Commentary
Saddle bags were both a way to transport objects, hung from the saddle on either side of the horse, and, when transferred to hang in the tepee, storage for clothing and household articles. However, the intricate decoration of this Arapaho bag suggests it was more than utilitarian, perhaps made to hold medicine or sacred objects. The bag features well-known motifs in Native American beadwork including the "hourglass," made up of two triangles joined at the apex. Contemporary sources described the Arapaho people as highly religious; their everyday actions and objects, especially those with beadwork designs, were imbued with symbolic meaning. Such symbolic meaning, however, may only be accessible to the creator or owner of this bag.
Keywords
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Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
- Nuance of Sky: Edgar Heap of Birds Invites Spirit Objects to Join His Art Practice , 1/21/2013 - 4/14/2013
Dimensions
- Overall Dimensions: 18 5/8 x 15 3/8 x 11 in. (47.31 x 39.05 x 28 cm) Measured by Hudson, Karen
Portfolio List
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This object is a member of the following portfolios:
Your current search criteria is: Portfolio is "Arapaho Culture" and [Object]Century is "19th/20th c".
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For further inquiries, contact Associate Director/Registrar Steve Comba at steven.comba@pomona.edu.
For further inquiries, contact Associate Director/Registrar Steve Comba at steven.comba@pomona.edu.