Skip to main content
ProvenancePurchased in 1978 from the Green family, Winnebagos at Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, whose ancestors had used this bag in the Medicine Dance Society; Gaylord Torrence, Des Moines, Iowa; David Wooley, Corrales, New Mexico and Toby Herbst, Santa Fe, New Mexico
BibliographyVincent, Gilbert T. Masterpieces of American Indian Art. New York: Harry Abrams, 1995, p.16.
Vincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.80.
Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 70.
Culture
Ho-Chunk (Winnebago)
Otterskin Bag
Datec. 1890
DimensionsOverall: 5 3/4 × 34 in. (14.6 × 86.4 cm)
Object numberT0011
Credit LineGift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust
Photograph by John Bigelow Taylor, NYC
Label TextIn the western Great Lakes area, whole otter pelts were used as medicine bags by the members of the religious organization, the Grand Medicine Society. These medicine bags were distinguished from secular bags by the ribbons or feathers attached to the nose, and the beadwork on paws and tail. During the 19th century, the ceremonies of this group focused upon the pursuit of a long and healthy life.ProvenancePurchased in 1978 from the Green family, Winnebagos at Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, whose ancestors had used this bag in the Medicine Dance Society; Gaylord Torrence, Des Moines, Iowa; David Wooley, Corrales, New Mexico and Toby Herbst, Santa Fe, New Mexico
BibliographyVincent, Gilbert T. Masterpieces of American Indian Art. New York: Harry Abrams, 1995, p.16.
Vincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.80.
Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 70.
On View
Not on view
