Mirror Case, c. 1870
Apsáalooke (Crow)expand_more
Animal hide, beads, cotton, felt, bellsexpand_more
Gift of funds from the N. Bud and Beverly Grossman Foundation in honor of Dr. Evan M. Maurer, Director Emeritus, for his visionary leadership of The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 1988-2005expand_more 2004.70.13
Not on Viewexpand_more
Apsaalooka women created beautifully adorned objects that were used by men. Basic Apsaalooka design elements include the hourglass shape, which is often outlined by a single row of white beads. This simple line of beads has a significant visual effect of separating the foreground and background designs. This technique, combined with typical Apsaalooka color palette of pink, light blue and green, makes the decorated surface designs radiate.
Many Plains tribes, including the Apsaalooka, added long leather fringe to large bags. The fringe's movement attracts attention to the object and provides contrast and balance found in the beaded designs that adorn the central body of the bag. Colored thread or wool was added at the top of the fringe near the beaded design, providing a visual transition from the bag's colorful main panel to the neutral shade of the fringe.
Details
- Title
- Mirror Case
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2004.70.13
- 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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