Side 1.
Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2011 School for Advanced Research.
Cornmeal bag
Date: Early 1900s
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
13.5 x 9.5 cm (5 5/16 x 3 3/4 in.)
Medium: leather | beads, glass
Credit Line: Given in memory of Margaret Moses, 1984.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: SAR.1984-4-49
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksJim Enote and Octavius Seowtewa during collection review visit June 10 and 11, 2009 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 2”): This is a cornmeal bag that would have been a sacred item for its owner (it would have been owned by an individual, not communally owned). It was an item of everyday use that would be carried everywhere by its owner. There is a blue pigment inside the bag. The pigment could be turquoise chips or powder. Cornmeal is typically mixed with bits of turquoise, coral, and/or shell and kept inside the bag for use by the individual using it. This piece should be considered ceremonial because it would certainly have been used for blessings, offerings, and other ceremonies or rituals. Though it was used during ceremonies, they would not have been the types of ceremonies that would have given the bag a level of sacredness such that it must be kept from the general public. It is okay for photography and publication by anyone and has no special storage or handling restrictions.
In Collection(s)
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.