Pouch c. 1940s

This pouch was made by a Navajo, or Diné, artist with leather and metal studs, and it's now here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. What strikes me about this piece is the contrast between the supple leather and the rigid metal studs. The dark, weathered leather suggests a material shaped by use and time, while the studs offer a rhythmic pattern, like musical notes marching along the edges. I'm drawn to the way the studs are meticulously placed, each one reflecting light and creating a subtle shimmer. The central stud on the pouch’s flap acts as a focal point. You can imagine the maker carefully attaching each stud, creating a tactile and visually engaging surface. It reminds me of Eva Hesse’s repetitive forms, but here, on a functional object, transformed into art through the artist's hand. It's an invitation to touch, to feel the connection between the materials and the maker.