Octopus Bag

Item number 3204/11 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Octopus style bag. Bag is rectangular at top, with four long fingers each side, totalling eight, hanging from bottom. On front is a wreath of beaded green leaves and blue flowers around the initials "AHM". Around the edges of the bag and down each finger are vines and flowers in pink and lavender. On other side is a group of pink flowers and green leaves at centre, with a similar flower design around edges and fingers in shades of blue. Interior of bag and backside of each finger is lined with light brown cotton.

Narrative

Donor was given the bag in 1962 by the owner of Canadian Cabin Crafts in Vancouver. Said to have been made prior to 1900. Notes from researcher Adele Arseneau (Cree Metis) said it is possibly not an Indigenous made bag/design; done incorrectly and more similar to English embroidery; Indigenous protocols not found throughout work; maker was perhaps integrated, or worked with Indigenous people? No paper or traces, which would definitely be there if it was Indigenous-made (paper used as a stabilizer).