163. Bandolier bag. Lenape (Delaware tribe, Easter Woodlands). c. 1850 CE Beadwork on leather.

• Form
  • The bandolier bag has a large, heavily beaded pouch with a slit on top
  • The bag was held at hip level with strap across the chest
  • The bag was constructed of trade cloth: cotton, wool, velvet, or leather
• Function
  • It was made for men and women; objects of prestige
  • They were made by women
  • Functional and beautiful; acted also as a status symbol as part of an elaborate garb
  • Bandolier bags are still made and worn today
• Context
  • Beadwork not done in the Americas before European contact
  • Beads and silk ribbons were imported from Europe
  • The bags contain both Native American and European motifs
  • Beads and silk ribbons were imported from Europe
  • The bags contain both Native American and European motifs