small pouch; red threads; white, red, medium blue, dark blue, pink, yellow, orange and green beads; panther on white ground with long curling tail on one side; radiating diamond designs on opposite side; white edging at top

Charm Bag, c. 1870-1880

Not on Viewexpand_more

Many Meskwaki and other Great Lakes artistic creations stem from a belief in “Manitous,” supernatural beings who help anyone who appropriately seeks their services. This pouch depicts one kind of Manitou: an Underwater Panther. An important spiritual force, these powerful and potentially dangerous beings could disrupt the waters with their long and sometimes jagged tails, pulling people beneath the surface. The points on the head are horns, not ears.

Details
Title
Charm Bag
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2008.21.1
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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small pouch; red threads; white, red, medium blue, dark blue, pink, yellow, orange and green beads; panther on white ground with long curling tail on one side; radiating diamond designs on opposite side; white edging at top