Patriotic Bandolier Bag

Native American, Woodlands, ca. 1920-1940.
Glass beads, wool, cotton.
Decorated in European glass beads designed with patriotic motifs depicting a spread-winged eagle perched on a shield below American flags is a commemorative example of a bandolier bag. Originally, bags like these were used to carry gun powder as well as valuables like tobacco, pipes, flint, or medicine. They could be worn as a “shoulder belt” to the side or as an apron in the front.