Bandolier Bag, early 20th century Unknown (Anishnaabe [Ojibwa]
Artist) glass beads, cotton, yarn 91.5 x 41 x 6 cm Gift of the
Henry Birks Collection of Canadian Silver, 1979 National Gallery
of Canada (no. 27709) Modelled after European military bags,
bandolier bags were made traditionally and exclusively by women
for men to wear during special occasions. Essentially a large
rectangular pouch with a long continuous strap these bags
probably originated around the 1840s or 1850s. Although very few
bandolier bags have been made since the 1940s, some are
occasionally made today. Usually worn one at a time over the
shoulder and across the body, the bags could also be draped over
the neck, hung over a saddle or horse's neck, or worn several at
a time. Unfortunately this bag is missing one of the six
original tassels that are meant to sway in the dancing of the
bag. Like some other works in this room, this intricately beaded
bag is decorated with bold floral and foliate motifs. While many
Anishnaabe beaded floral de