Octopus Bag

MOA: University of British Columbia

3656/31

Small bag, rectangular at top with eight arms hanging from bottom (commonly called an octopus style bag). Both sides are beaded with floral motifs using tiny beads on a dark brown-red cotton. Each arm has a short red and brown tassels with blue geometric beads attached. Interior of bag lined with brown cotton. There is a red and brown plaited strap attached near the opening.


  • Type of Item bag
  • Culture Tlingit
  • Material wool fibre, glass, cotton fibre
  • Measurements height 30.0 cm, width 11.0 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Fraser Ross Sharp
  • Received from Fraser Ross Sharp

  • Made in Alaska

  • Creation Date between 1850 and 1900
  • Ownership Date before December 8, 2023
  • Acquisition Date on December 8, 2023

  • Item Classes textiles; beadwork
  • Condition fair
  • Accession Number 3656/0031