Mussel Shell Seaweed Octopus Bag

This series of bags was inspired by the mussel shell scrapers found in women’s sewing kits like the one at the Smithsonian. The Anchorage museum has a set on display that I viewed in person. I had been wanting to do something with the shell colors for years but hadn’t found my inspiration until seeing these kits. It got me thinking about the woman’s work and our connection to the tides and the moon.

https://americanindian.si.edu/collections-search/object/NMAI_124424

The three bags in this series represent this theme in three different techniques; Chilkat weaving, Raven’s Tail weaving, and seaweed beadwork on octopus bags.

Traditional style octopus bag using colors of the mussel shell.

Height includes strap