Winnebago Beaded Bags

Winnebago Beaded Bags. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is one of two federally recognized tribes of Ho-Chunk Native Americans. The other Ho-Chunk tribe is the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Tribe members often refer to themselves as Hochungra – “People of the Parent Speech”. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples and price guides to antique beaded bags made by Winnebago tribes including a loom beaded bandolier bandolier bag and a beaded leather pouch.

A Ho Chunk (Winnebago) beaded bandolier bag
Designed with geometric loom-beaded panels along the strap and on the body, with beaded tabs along the lower edge terminating in yarn tassels.
length 33in, width 16in

Sold for US$5,120 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023


Early Winnebago / Ojibwe Beaded Leather Pouch

Native American / First Nations, Northern United States / Canada, Great Lakes Region & Midwest, Winnebago / Ojibwe, ca. early 20th century CE. A hide bag with beadwork across both sides, the front panel covered in thousands of seed beads arranged as flowers and leaves on a white ground. The edges are hemmed in black velvet with green yarn tassels at the bottom. The interior is lined with a cotton cloth and a drawstring closure. Size: 19″ L x 11″ W (48.3 cm x 27.9 cm)

Sold for US$450 at Artemis Gallery in 2023


Winnebago Ho Chunk bandolier bead bag, 37″ x 10″, loom beaded, 4 bead tabs. Gppd cpmd ca. 1910

Sold for US$525 at Midwest Auctions in 2023