Shoulder Bag Item Number: Ni29 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
One piece square plain woven bag folded in half has three vertical rows of dark brown wool woven into warp at each end on both sides; sewn at sides with dark brown wool using a v shaped diagonal running stitch or stroke stitch; dark brown wool in cross knit loop stitch along upper edge. The design is identical on both sides and consists of an eight pointed star with four blue lines extending from centre, black and light blue stitches frame star. The border has a green herringbone stitches over middle of vertical brown warps; geometric linear pattern in pink called fret design. Strap is a separate plain woven band, two stripes of dark brown wool are woven into the warp. The strap ends are twisted together and knotted at apex opposite ends are sewn to upper corners of bag.
History Of Use
Women make the bags but they are worn only by men; several bags can be worn at the same time and are used to carry personal possessions; sometimes a bag can be worn below the waistband; bags are now part of the tourist market.
Iconographic Meaning
Eight pointed star refers to the toto flower which grows only in the wet season and can be a symbol for corn or peyote; the fret design may represent clouds, serpents, whirlwinds or whirlpools all of which are associated with rain.
Cultural Context
contemporary; tourist art; ritual
Narrative
The Wixáritari are known to the larger world as the Huichol, however that is not the name they use to refer to themselves.
Item History
- Made in Jalisco, Mexico and Nayarit, Mexico before 1980
- Collected during 1980
- Owned by Ralph Maud before February 1, 1982
- Received from Ralph Maud (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on February 1, 1982
What
Who
- Culture
- Huichol
- Previous Owner
- Ralph Maud
- Received from
- Ralph Maud (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Jalisco, Mexico and Nayarit, Mexico
When
- Creation Date
- before 1980
- Collection Date
- during 1980
- Ownership Date
- before February 1, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on February 1, 1982
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 93
- Accession Number
- 0774/0056