White Man vs Bear Story Bag

Here is an amusing, beaded “story bag” from Plateau country. The bag shows a white man in combat with a bear and he appears to be getting much the worst of it. His knife and ax are already on the ground and of no use to him. His back and arms are bleeding from bear claw wounds. And he appears to be trying to take down the bear by hitting him with his rifle rather than shooting him. Why? Either he’s out of ammunition or there’s an Indian commentary going on that the white man is stupid. And as a subplot, three birds seem to be finding the whole scene quite entertaining. Perhaps they’re waiting to peck at the white man’s corpse…

Dimensions are 10 ¾” wide by 11 ½” long with the fringe adding another 5”. The bag is beaded on brain-tanned moose or caribou hide and has its original straps. The inside is a floral greenish calico.