This bag has some cotton fiber in it. Reviewed by Winnebago weaver Martha Gradolf, 5/3/05,

This work bag has different geometric designs on each side-the bag is the smaller one in front. in the photo.

This is a small flower printed sack tied with the same fabric. Contents unverified as not opened. This was purchased at the same time as the visiting sticks (see 11.694.8994). According to information received at the time such sticks and tobacco were sometimes sent along by messenger when a traveler was within a day's journey of his destination. Although gifts acknowledged the tobacco was rarely smoked. This bag was given to Culin by Charlie Michel when Culin visited him at his home.

Gift of Betsy Stern

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Central Plains area. Fragment woven on cotton.

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Blum

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Brooklyn Museum Collection

Long bodice (collar) of dentalium shell is a pre-style form of decoration because these shells were hard to obtain. The Sioux would have traded for them. This would be for a special woman and handed down in families. The very heavy dress does not look reworked and was worn very little and probably only used for special occasions. Blue wool trade cloth, red, white, blue ribbons might indicate July 4th reference. A slit is at the back of the dress and the basic pattern is T-shaped. Four-direction designs on the bottom would be prestige decoration and the little flowers along the bottom are unusual, odd. The bells are different colors. The body of the dress is machine sewn.