Minneapolis Institute of Art

Bandolier Bag

Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) artist

Date

c. 1870–1900

Medium

Silk, wool, cotton, beads

Culture

Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The designs on this bandolier bag reference important elements in traditional Anishinabe life. The repeating geometric floral patterns, shown on the central panel and strap, refer to the natural environment that the Anishinabe depend on. The beaded design that can be found on the outside of the central beaded panel refers to the otter, who plays an important role in Anishinabe stories and clan system. The series of diamonds followed by straight lines, then diamonds, refer to the otter tracks. The diamonds symbolize footprints, and the straight lines are the otter's tail. This bandolier bag is a testimony of Anishinabe artistic skill and creativity. Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), United States, Americas

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