http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_groups_travel.html
Notice the beaded bag below the riders leg, this is an example of a heavily beaded possibles bag in use. |
Although these bags were made for everyday use or even for traveling distances, they were made with purpose and meaning. Each color and symbol holds meaning for the individual(s) who created the object, who designed the object, as well as the community from whom the object originated.
Through research, we can attempt to decode what each bag's meaning may be. However, since the creators are no longer with us, we cannot know their exact meanings. |
Symbolism- Sioux BeadworkIt is impossible to know with certainty, the precise meaning of these possible bags as only the creator and the individual who the bag was made for will know precisely what each color and symbol represents. However, from previous research, we can attempt to decipher and understand potential meaning. For example, the bag shown above, UCM 33424b, a Sioux beadwork possible bag could potentially be interpreted as: Bead Colors: Blue- sky Red- South Green- Earth White- Winter, endurance Horsehair: Many Plains Indians groups believed that by taking parts of an animal or human and attaching it to an object, part of that being's spirit or strength would be transferred to that object. Therefore, it is possible that the red-dyed horsehair tinklers could be imbibing the power and spirit of a favorite mount. This bag may potentially be telling a story of a location or directions of a journey, "In the South, it is cold and the journey required endurance to complete, but was done with the help of a horse". Above image:
Possible bag Sioux Donor: Charles Eagle Plume UCM 33424b |
Symbolism- Cheyenne QuillworkAccording to research, the vertical quillwork lines running along the length of this bag, may represent a journey. It is unclear if each line represents a specific journey or if all of the lines together represent multiple journeys.
Quill colors: Red- Chief, warrior, virtuous wife Yellow- Plenty Beadwork colors: Light blue- Peace Green- Growing life Blue/green- Peace and serenity Horse hair Feathers Again, there is no way to know for sure what this bags intended meaning may be, but through research, it may represent: A virtuous wife who is happy and at peace, potentially pregnant. The horse hair and feathers may represent the spirit of each animal. For more information about Cheyenne symbolism and meaning, check out:
George Bird Grinnell's, The Cheyenne Indians: Their History and Ways of Life. Vol. 1: http://www.worldwisdom.com/public/products/978-1-933316-60-4_Cheyenne_Indians.aspx?ID=193 Above image:
Possible bag Cheyenne Donor: Denver Art Museum UCM 10363 |