Artifacts
Old Apache Fringed Bag
This drawstring, leather, fringed bag was used by an Apache woman in the Southwestern United States as a pouch or dance costume accouterment in the late 19th C. /early 20th C. Traditionally pouches were personally designed and beaded with symbols that are meaningful to the owner for ceremonial use.
The bag is of native tanned deerskin and measures 11" long by 5¾ " wide. It has been lovingly decorated with the forms of morning stars, crosses, symbolizing the four directions, and a central stepped diamond often found in Native American art. Edges of the pouch are trimmed with loops of red and green seed beads.
The reverse features three rainbows and an organic red and green form. Several rows of beads are missing on the zigzag borders due to age and wear but overall condition is very good. The reverse features three rainbows and an organic red and green form.
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