Octopus Bag (Naakw gwéil)

ca. 1890

Tlingit

The tradition of a four-tabbed bag was likely derived from animal skin bags that retained the leg strips as decorative pendants; these came to the Pacfic coast from the interior, inspiring Athapascan and Tlingit artists of the 19th century to create their own versions. Woolen cloth and glass beads acquired through trade were ideal for decorative bags proudly worn at potlatches.

Commercial wool cloth, wool tape, yarn, glass beads, cotton cloth (lined)

21 1/2 x 12 in. (54.61 x 30.48 cm)

Gift of John H. Hauberg

91.1.78

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, The Box of Daylight, September 15, 1983 - January 8, 1984

Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 70

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