Plateau Yakima Fully Beaded Flat Bag

ca. 1950 

9.5" H x 8.375" W + 7" Hide Fringe

Wonderful Bag Fully Beaded Hide Face with Floral Motif and Cloth Back and Calico Lining with Handles

In Very Good Condition

Plateau Yakima fully beaded flat bags are traditional Native American artifacts prized for their intricate beadwork and cultural significance.

Originally made from indigenous materials like hemp and cornhusk, modern and vintage bags often use brain-tanned deerskin or hide, with a cloth lining (often calico pattern).

Characterized by intricate and imaginative designs using glass trade seed beads. The beading style evolved over time from contour beading to flat-stitched backgrounds. Common designs include floral motifs, geometric patterns, and pictorial scenes featuring horses or eagles. These designs often blend traditional iconography with influences from popular culture and magazines. These bags were rarely made for sale but for personal use, displaying a woman's status, wealth, heritage, and belief systems. They are often referred to as "friendship" bags.