Bag, Ceremonial

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Object Name:	Bag, Ceremonial
Artist/Maker:	Boss Mrs. Jim
Object Type:	Bag, Ceremonial
Category:	Communication Artifacts
Sub-category:	Ceremonial Artifact
Material:	Glass Metal Fibre Fibre, wool
Accession Number:	1972.1.65.d
Culture:	Yukon First Nation
Latest Production Date:	Circa1920
Description:	Red felt ceremonial adornment. Square design with four long vertical strips which fork to create eight end points of which tassels hang from. The red felt is decorated with white, green, blue, and metal beadwork in floral design, black edging, white bead trim. The ends are decorated with red, yellow, and blue wool pom- poms on white, yellow, and red ribbons.
History of Use:	Octopus bags are named as such because of the four forked fabric strips resembles the tentacles of an octopus. Traditionally, the octopus bag was worn either by the clan leader or the host during potlatches or special ceremonies. The bag was only worn by a very important person. In some cases an illustrious speaker could wear up to three bags. The creators of octopus bags used colours and elaborate beadwork to decorate the ceremonial accoutrement. They are highly prized objects worn with the strap around the necks and shoulders of these important men.
Credit Line - Image:	MacBride Museum Society
Institution:	MacBride Museum Facebook-MacBride Museum Twitter-MacBride Museum
Institution City:	Whitehorse
Institution Province:	Yukon Territory

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