Cornhusk Bag (front and back)
Cornhusk bags was introduced into the Northwest by the fur traders as early as 1820. They gradually replaced bags created from Indian hemp. Jute twine and cotton string became common in the
warp and weft. Handbags were
used to accessorize women’s outfit while dancing or going
to town. The Nez Perce artisan was resourceful and ready to
incorporate new materials into their creations. The bag is plain twining of commercial hemp warp & weft with false
embroidery of undyed cornhusk and wool.
Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), cornhusk (Zea mays). H 28, W 23.5 cm
Nez Perce National Historical Park, NEPE 8872