Tahltan, Stikine River region, Northwest British Columbia
c. 1850
Dentalium shells, beads, materials otherwise not specified
Width of bag 6.75 in (17.1 cm)
Provenance: Fred Boschan, Philadelphia, purchased for $18,500 in 1994
This Tahltan bag dates to around 1850 and comes from the Stikine River region of Northwest British Columbia. Tahltan men wore elaborately decorated bags on ceremonial occasions, where materials, surface treatment, and form contributed to the object’s social presence. The use of dentalium shells gives this example particular material interest within Northwest Coast and Interior trade traditions.
Dentalium shells were valued across many Native communities of the Northwest and Plateau regions, often associated with wealth, exchange, and ceremonial display. The compact scale of the bag concentrates the decoration into a strong visual field, making the shellwork central to its character. With provenance to Fred Boschan, Philadelphia, and a recorded 1994 purchase price, this example carries notable collection history as well as early date and cultural specificity.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
INQUIRE HERE
Tahltan, Stikine River region, Northwest British Columbia
c. 1850
Dentalium shells, beads, materials otherwise not specified
Width of bag 6.75 in (17.1 cm)
Provenance: Fred Boschan, Philadelphia, purchased for $18,500 in 1994
This Tahltan bag dates to around 1850 and comes from the Stikine River region of Northwest British Columbia. Tahltan men wore elaborately decorated bags on ceremonial occasions, where materials, surface treatment, and form contributed to the object’s social presence. The use of dentalium shells gives this example particular material interest within Northwest Coast and Interior trade traditions.
Dentalium shells were valued across many Native communities of the Northwest and Plateau regions, often associated with wealth, exchange, and ceremonial display. The compact scale of the bag concentrates the decoration into a strong visual field, making the shellwork central to its character. With provenance to Fred Boschan, Philadelphia, and a recorded 1994 purchase price, this example carries notable collection history as well as early date and cultural specificity.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
INQUIRE HERE
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5