View One: Trade Impact

Lenape shoulder bag, front view.

This shoulder bag (dated to 1760-1800) was a common accessory for Lenape men traditionally worn to carry personal items.This particular bag is missing its shoulder strap. Such bags were produced by Lenape women, who used skillful quillwork, sewing, and dye methods to achieve the look and texture of the bag. Because the collection history is not known, there is a possibility that this bag may have been exchanged to a non-Native trader. The bag’s patterns and designs are indicative of Great Lakes regional styles. In addition to local materials like deer hide and hair, porcupine quills, and natural dyes, there are rows of metal cones that were likely acquired through trade. The metal cones would jingle, illustrating how this bag was both a visual and auditory statement.