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)

Naakw gwéil (Octopus Bag)

Artist:Tlingit

Medium: Wool, cotton, glass beads

Dates:1868–1901

Dimensions: 17 11/16 x 9 7/16 in. (44.9 x 24 cm)

Collections:

Museum Location: American Art Galleries, 5th Floor, To Give Flowers

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 08.491.8896

Image: 08.491.8896_front01_PS22.jpg,

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.

Brooklyn Museum