Possible Bag

Culture: Oceti Sakowin (Sioux) artist
Date: c.1885
Material: Tanned hide, glass beads, tin cones, and dyed horsehair
made in: United States, North and Central America
Classification: Jewelry & personal accessories
Collection: Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Current Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 14 x 22 x 3 1/2 in. (35.6 x 55.9 x 8.9 cm)
Credit Line: The Donald Danforth Jr. Collection, Gift of Mrs. Donald Danforth Jr.
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 166:2011

NOTES

Lakota beadwork often features mirrored designs, as seen here. This doubling acknowledges relations between the earth surface and the spiritual realm. While Lakota people recognize common meanings for certain symbols, abstract designs communicate ideas and stories indirectly. Beadwork thus accrues meaning through composition as much as established interpretation.

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