Tlingit. <em>Naakw gwéil (Octopus Bag)</em>, 1868–1901. Wool, cotton, glass beads, 17 11/16 x 9 7/16 in. (44.9 x 24 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund, 08.491.8896. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 08.491.8896_front01_PS22.jpg)

Tlingit. Naakw gwéil (Octopus Bag), 1868–1901. Wool, cotton, glass beads, 17 11/16 x 9 7/16 in. (44.9 x 24 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund, 08.491.8896. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 08.491.8896_front01_PS22.jpg)

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Naakw gwéil (Octopus Bag)

Arts of the Americas

On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, To Give Flowers

CULTURE Tlingit

MEDIUM Wool, cotton, glass beads

DATES 1868–1901

DIMENSIONS 17 11/16 x 9 7/16 in. (44.9 x 24 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas

ACCESSION NUMBER 08.491.8896

CREDIT LINE Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund

PROVENANCE Prior to 1908, provenance not yet documented; before 1908, acquired by Frederick Landsberg of Victoria, Canada; July 15, 1908, purchased in Victoria from Frederick Landsberg by Stewart Culin for the Brooklyn Museum.

Provenance FAQ

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Octopus bag made entirely from trade materials. These distinctive cloth pouches were accessories for ceremonial clothing. They were called octopus bags because of their tentacle-like fringes. Some of the Tlingit designs may have been influenced by proximity to the Athabascan groups to the east. The reverse of the bag is plain. The pouch has four double fringe "arms" and a black wool strap.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, To Give Flowers

CAPTION Tlingit. Naakw gwéil (Octopus Bag), 1868–1901. Wool, cotton, glass beads, 17 11/16 x 9 7/16 in. (44.9 x 24 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund, 08.491.8896. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 08.491.8896_front01_PS22.jpg)

IMAGE front, 08.491.8896_front01_PS22.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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Naakw gwéil (Octopus Bag)

Arts of the Americas

On View: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, To Give Flowers

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