Native Twined Handmade Bags
brought to you by
Barking Rock Farm
These gorgeous creations are all authentic Native American patterns, researched and created by artist Diana Whipple Lewis.
Technically referred to as paired twined weaving, this method of interlacing fibers is a variation on a basketry technique and predates the traditional Southwestern weaving by thousands of years. Originally such bags were woven of a twisted plant fiber warp and a human or animal hair weft, and the technique predates European contact. Once wool yarn was available, this material was readily adopted for this ancient craft. No loom is used, only a rudimentary frame; and the finished pieces have no seams.
Such bags were traditionally used as a means of storing possessions. Smaller bags - which were usually woven of small pieces of scrap yarn - were tucked inside larger bags as a type of "pocket." The bags are finished with a finger-woven (a type of wide, flat braid) strap that is incredibly strong. The weft-faced bags are extremely durable.
Diana learned this craft from her grandfather when she was a very young child. It's a fascinating process to watch, and one which has become nearly extinct in today's Native society. These handwoven wool or wool blend bags take many hours to complete, and many retell a myth or legend in the weaving. No two bags will ever be exactly the same!
Your purchase will not only delight you, it will help promote and continue a vanishing craft while helping to support a deserving artisan!
Here's a few bags which are currently available.
The Blue Jay - Oneida Pattern
Legend tell us that once the
blue jay was black. He felt so plain, and was very envious of the
beautiful colors in the rainbow. So he flew up to sky with a knife,
to cut a piece of the rainbow to make himself more beautiful. But as
he tried to cut away at the elusive rainbow, he slashed holes in the
sky. The torn sky rained down its blue color all over the bird, and
to this day he still carries the color of the sky.
The bird woven into the pattern
on one side of this bag is black against a blue background; on the
other side, is a blue bird against a black background. The multicolor
border and strap represents the rainbow.
Bag measures 9.5 x 9.5 inches;
woven of wool on jute warp with fingerwoven strap.
Price: $55
Travel Pattern - Eastern Woodland
Traditional Iroquois/Eastern Woodland tribal pattern.
This bag is woven in gorgeous earthtone shades of primarily tans/brown/black. Bag measures 9 x 11 inches. Woven of wool on a natural jute warp, with a fingerwoven strap.
Price: $59
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Traditional Potawatomi Pattern Interesting traditional personal pattern in nice muted earth tones of dark leaf green, earth brown, black and grey. Large bag measures 8.5 x 11 inches. Woven of wool on jute warp, with fingerwoven strap. Price: $59
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Traditionally made from scraps as pockets for larger bags, these bags have had a strap added to make them useful as belt or neck bags. The size is perfect for personal tobacco/pipe bag, as well as protecting and carrying any small items. Bags are approximately 7" in length, plus strap.
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Mountain Pattern - Cheyenne
Price: $15 reduced!
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Small "pocket" bags were traditionally woven of bits and scraps of yarn, utilizing the same twined woven technique as their larger brethren. These make great interior pouches inside a larger bag; or are wonderful all on their own for concealing and protecting items such as a cell phone or glasses.
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Approximate size is 3.5 x 6 inches; all are woven of wool on jute warp. From left to right:
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Iroquois pattern in shades of yellow/brown. Price: $20 |
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Travel pattern. Price $15 |
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Seneca "deer track" pattern. Price: $18 |
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Seneca style travel pattern. Price: $18 |
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We anticipate that this page will change rapidly, as new pieces are added and existing are sold. To avoid disappointment, we urge you to call or email to reserve the piece you desire if you're planning on mailing payment. We will be glad to hold any piece for 7 days, pending receipt of payment.
Questions? Comments? EMAIL US HERE!
©2008 Barking Rock Farm
All Rights Reserved.
This page updated 02/24/08.
