Nez Perce Corn Husk Handbag

ca.  1920 - 1930

.875" H x 5.5" L x 6" W + 9.5" L Handle + 8" Hanging Fringe

Hand Crafted from Very Fine Corn Husk in Orange, Deep Red, Green, Dark Blue, Purple,  Teal, Dark Green, Light Green, Red and Brown Colors in a Geometric Design with a Beadwork Handle and Leather Fringe with Metal Beads and Pink Satin and Black Velvet Inside Handbag

In Very Good Condition

Nez Perce corn husk handbags (also called cornhusk bags, Plateau bags, or flat twined bags) are distinctive woven items traditionally made by Nez Perce (Nimi’ipuu) and other Plateau peoples, including the Yakama, Umatilla, Cayuse, and others in the Columbia Plateau region (parts of Idaho, Oregon, Washington). These are not strictly “handbags” in the modern sense but versatile, flat, flexible twined bags used for gathering and storing roots, berries, and other foods, as well as saddlebags or personal items. Smaller versions later evolved into decorative purses or handbags.