Octopus Bag (Naakw gwéil)
ca. 1890
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