A FINE MENOMINEE QUILLED HIDE DECORATED PANEL

Details
A FINE MENOMINEE QUILLED HIDE DECORATED PANEL

Of elongated tapering form, the entire front with natural and red and brown dyed quillwork in undulating and radiating patterns, parallel vertical and horizontal bands at top, tassels at the end
15¼in. (38.7in.) high
Provenance
On long term loan to the Detroit Institute of Arts from 1984 to 1995

Lot Essay

For a similar example see Conn, 1979, no. 110, which suggests a late 18th century date. Porcupine quill panels such as this fine example were used to cover the tails of otter-skin bags throughout the 18th century and into the early 19th. The diamond patterns are characteristic of Menominee work and are found on later works adorned with beads and silk.