Cast silver ornament and repousse buttons on flap; Leather bag with leather strap, 2 rows plain and 2 larger silver fluted hogan buttons on strap; shell attached to thong hanging from purse. J.#520, Cat.#640.

Pouch, c. 1900

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Silver, leatherexpand_more

Bequest of Virginia Doneghyexpand_more  90.58.211

Not on Viewexpand_more

Instead of incorporating pockets into their clothing, Diné (Navajo) men carried a leather pouch with a long strap that hung across the chest. Most pouches were decorated with buttons that were secured along the entire length of the strap and the perimeter of the bag. Some have a cast ornament attached to the center, as in this example. These bags are often called medicine pouches because medicine people would sometimes use them to store and transport ceremonial items.

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Details
Title
Pouch
Role
Artist
Dimension
6 1/2 in. (16.51 cm) 26 1/4 in. (66.68 cm) (strap)
Accession Number
90.58.211
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Cast silver ornament and repousse buttons on flap; Leather bag with leather strap, 2 rows plain and 2 larger silver fluted hogan buttons on strap; shell attached to thong hanging from purse. J.#520, Cat.#640.