Nez Perce Yakima Beaded Bag

Mid 20th Century

6.5" H x 9.25" W 

Hand Crafted from Hide Leather with Glass Seed Beads in a Geometric Design

In Very Good Condition

Collected by Robert Nemitz (1905-2005) Superintendent of Anacortes Oil Refineries. Born Iowa - moved to South Dakota near Sioux Reservation, then to Anacortes in 1937 and traveled a lot to Yakima and did the local flea markets

Nez Perce and Yakama beaded bags are iconic examples of Plateau Indian beadwork from the Columbia Plateau region (encompassing parts of present-day Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Montana). These flat, rectangular or pouch-style bags, often made from leather (like smoke-tanned hide) and decorated with colorful glass seed beads, emerged prominently in the mid-to-late 19th century. They evolved from earlier woven cornhusk bags used for storage, transitioning into decorative purses or accessories carried by women to display skill, status, and cultural pride.