Cree/Athabaskan Babiche bag
made out of rawhide, possibly caribou thong and moosehair
circa 1870s-1880s
20 1/2" wide x 14" high
$4800.
(MC1400)
Babiche bags were used as all-purpose carry bags in the North and Northwest Coast. They are quite rare, especially ones dating to the 19th century. This particular babiche bag has survived amazingly intact and has exquisite moosehair embroidery and fine leather work. The entire bag shows age without damage.
To read more about Babiche Bags, we suggest Whadoo Tehmi: Long-Ago People's Packsack --Dene Babiche Bags: Tradition and Revival (Canada Museum of Civilization, 2004).
Marcy Burns American Indian Arts LLC
520 East 72nd Street, Suite 2C
New York, New York 10021
(by appointment only)