Twined Bags

Twined Bags
In the old days, people needed containers to hold everything.  Bags were made in every size to accommodate holding everything from food to sewing supplies to fire making kits.  Although the vast majority of bags have been lost, there are some examples of bags preserved in museums. 

 

 Small Twined Bags, Pouches or Medicine Bags * 

Closed twined with braided strap.  Made from cotton cord. 2" wide.  (Left) Red and black, (Middle) Natural and black, (Right)  Hunter green and lime green

  

 

 

   Medium Twined Bags, Twined Shot Bags and Twined Shoulder Bags *

   Open twined bags with braided strap.  The more you use these bags, the softer they feel.   Made from hemp.  Approximately 8" wide x 8.5" tall.

Left - natural hemp with green and gold 

Right - natural with red

 

 

Closed and Diagonal Twined Bag*

This bag was twined using both the closed twining and diagonal twining techniques.  Made from natural and white hemp.

 

 

 * Photographs courtesy of Lina Longtoe Schulmeisters.

 

 

 

Email Vera at vlongtoe@vtindigenous.com

 Uncommon Threads: Wabanaki Textiles, Clothing and Costume exhibit, on display at the Maine State Museum 2009-present. Co-curated by Laureen Labar and Bruce Bourque.

 

“For millennia, textiles have played a vital role as these Native Americans have expressed and maintained their identity,” explains LaBar. “The exhibit’s exceptional objects, dating from prehistory to the late 1800s, demonstrate how careful observation of traditional textiles and costume can provide insights into Wabanaki history.” (Tibets, 2010)

 

“Historical examples of Wabanaki textiles are scattered, scarce, and fragile,” adds Bourque. “Our concern has been that, fragment by fragment, more will slip away over time. We hope that this landmark exhibition will help rescue from obscurity one of North America’s most dynamic indigenous textile traditions.” (Tibets, 2010)