Plateau Yakima Beaded Bag

Early/Mid 20th Century

9.5" H x 8.5" W 

Hand Crafted from Hide Leather and Glass Seed Beads in a Butterflies Motif Design

In Very Good Condition

From an older Private Washington State Estate Collection primary developed from 1937-1960. The various bags in the collection predominantly date from 1880-1950.

Plateau Beaded Bags are beautiful examples of traditional Native American artistry from the Columbia River Plateau region, which includes areas in present-day Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. They are primarily associated with tribes such as the Nez Perce, Yakama (Yakima), and other Plateau peoples.

These bags emerged in the 19th century after European traders introduced colorful glass beads (often called "seed beads") to the area. Native women adapted beading techniques, initially incorporating them into clothing and accessories. By the mid-to-late 1800s, fully beaded flat bags became prominent, often using a distinctive contour beading style where stitches radiate outward from a central point in circular or elliptical patterns. This created vibrant, shimmering designs that evolved from earlier basketry traditions.