29: NEZ PERCE CORN HUSK BAG WITH WOOL YARN EMBROIDERY

The tightly woven twined corn husk 'Friendship Bag' is embellished on the front, back and inside panels displaying geometric designs of embroidered wool in twelve colors. The flap is finished in red grosgrain and the interior is covered in a blue linen lining.

Plateau women used these to 'store edible roots and many sorts of valuable goods' (Berlo & Phillips 1998, 132). These bags were also used for trade with other tribes and, later, white traders.
Measures 4.75 x 4.75 inches.
Very good condition throughout, no damage, stain, repair or wear.
Provenance: The 40 year collection of Father Tom Wiederholt, Kansas City, Missouri. Tom was a close personal friend of scholar and curator Ralph 'Ted' Coe who advised Tom on most of his acquisitions.
$350 - $500