Good Stuff: Uchizono Gallery

Some killer earrings from Uchizono gallery on Ruby Lane.

Good Stuff: Squash Blossom Necklaces

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Squash blossom necklaces are unreal. Which I guess can also be taken literally since squash blossom necklaces have nothing to do with actual squash blossoms. We white man translate badly. But I'll save the history lesson for another day. Shallow life goal: own a Zuni Needlepoint necklace.

Good Stuff: Mafrash

   Mafrash or bedding bags are woven textile bags that were used by the Shahsevan and other nomads in Persia to load bedding onto a camel's back for transport. The bags were generally made in pairs, one on either side of the camel, but now often come split up and sold as individual textiles since tribes no longer have a use for them. 

 

   As you can see above, the bags are quite large. Typically collectors will stuff them with foam and use them as seats. While that works I would love to see them turned into duffel bags. Below are a few of my favorite bags that still have their original leather straps for tying the bag together:

Inspired: Plateau bags

    Plateau bags also known as corn husk or Nez Perce bags, have been made since at least 1800 by various Native American tribes residing in the Columbia River Plateau region.

    Plateau bags were used for storage, transport on horses or ceremonial purposes. The bag's bold patterns and designs were used to exhibit the weaving skills of each tribe's women and were often passed down from generation to generation as prized possessions. If you are interested in learning more about the actual weaving process go check out this post on John Howe's blog, here. 

Umatilla women in camp with their Plateau bags. Photo via Oregon Historical Society.

Indian girl with her Plateau bag photographed at the Dalles on the Columbia River around 1900.

An elder tribal women in the process of weaving a Plateau bag. 

    Okay, so now for the best part, color photos! Check these beauties out. Would you carry that? I'd definitely carry that.

    I have a board on Pintrest with more photos if you are interested, check it out here. 

Good Stuff: Chimayo

I swear to god, if I like it, it costs a gagillion dollars (because that's a real word). I'm dying for a Chimayo corduroy jacket. So if someone could list one on ebay for $20 buy it now, that would be great. Seriously though, why are they so hard to track down? I've been google searching them on the regular for the past month and it appears as though Japan is hording them by the thousands.They are traditionally Native American, so it's pretty lame that they are harder to find here in the States than in Asia. They say never give up on your dreams though and mine are bundled up in a corduroy chimayo jacket. Bahah.