19th Century Northern Plains Beaded Possibles Bag

Hidatsa Sioux work bag from Fort Berthold, North Dakota. Properly referred to as a woman's work bag that was used for holding sewing materials, sinew, awls and beads. Sinew sewn on brain tanned...

Colorful Plateau cornhusk sally bag with geometric designs of green, blue and red linen. Canvas reinforced. Period: First quarter of the 20th century Origin: Plateau Size: 6" D x 10...

Sioux beaded pipe bag. Having large-beaded panels both sides on brain tanned buffalo. Bead patterns feature white background with green and blue tradition...

Arapaho large panel, tobacco bag with old collection tag "tobacco bag" white seal #450. Brain tanned buffalo calf. All original, remains soft and supple. S...

This exceptional 19th-century Crow (Plains Indian) beaded tepee bag, dating circa 1860-1875, is a rare and authentic example of Native American craftsmanship and cultural heritage. E...

Native American Ojibwe Chippewa beaded Pipe bag A fine Native American Ojibwe or Chippewa  beaded Pipe bag Hide with a serrated edge with  finely be...

This antique 19th-century Lakota (Sioux) doctor’s bag is an exceptional example of Plains Indian beadwork artistry, crafted from native-tanned buffalo hide and intricately adorned with Venetian glass trade beads. The beadwork is sinew-sewn and features a vibrant mix of white-hearts, dark blue, greasy yellow, translucent blue, and faceted metal beads, all set against a bright white field for striking contrast. Both sides of the bag are fully beaded, each showcasing unique traditional design elements such as arrow motifs, crosses, and geometric patterns, symbolizing strength, direction, and protection. The original metal clasp and handle remain intact, further enhancing its authenticity and historic value. Though referred to as “doctor’s bags,” these pieces were not used for medical purposes. Instead, they were gifted to physicians by Native communities—particularly as tokens of gratitude for care or assistance rendered to tribal members during the late 19th century. As such, they hold both cultural and ceremonial significance. The Lakota, one of the three major divisions of the Sioux Nation, are a nomadic Plains tribe known for their highly developed beadwork traditions. Residing in the Great Plains across present-day South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, and Wyoming, the Lakota are renowned for creating deeply symbolic and intricately detailed art that reflects their spiritual beliefs, cultural identity, and connection to the land. This rare beaded doctor’s bag...

Funky lady beg beautifully made of colourful cluster of beads, with motifs of flower and leafs, on old velvet background. This bag was not made to store any items as you see in the ...