Beaded Bag c. 1936

This beaded bag was created by James McLellan, an artist born in 1855, although the exact date remains unknown. McLellan’s delicate beadwork offers a glimpse into the complex intersection of identity, gender, and cultural exchange during his time. In many Indigenous communities, beadwork is an important cultural practice, often passed down through generations within familial lines. The detailed craftsmanship and artistic expression seen here speak to the ways in which identity is inscribed in material culture. Historically, beadwork and similar crafts have been associated with women's work, but McLellan disrupts these gendered expectations through his artistry. The bag depicts a quaint village scene. Does this carefully chosen imagery reflect a longing for community and belonging, or perhaps a commentary on the changing landscapes of his time? Ultimately, this beaded bag invites us to consider the many layers of identity and representation embedded within a single object.