Plateau Beaded Bag

Mid/Late 20th Century

7" H x 8.5" W with 16" L Beaded Straps and 1.5" Beaded Fringe

Hand Crafted and Fully Beaded with Zipper from Yakima with Horse and Beaded Fringe with Long Strap

In Very Good Condition

Plateau beaded bags are exquisite examples of Native American artistry from the Columbia Plateau region (encompassing parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana). They are primarily associated with tribes such as the Yakama (Yakima), Nez Perce, and other Plateau peoples.

These flat, often double-sided purses or pouches evolved in the mid-19th century after European traders introduced colorful glass seed beads to the area. Initially, bags featured partial beading on cloth (often red trade cloth), but by the 1880s, fully beaded designs using contour beading (starting from a center point and radiating outward in circular or elliptical patterns) became prominent. This technique, possibly inspired by local basketry traditions, gives the beadwork a vibrant, shimmering quality.