Shoulder pouch with snake skin strap

The shoulder pouch is said to have been worn by the wife of Anishnaabe Chief John Tecumseh Henry when they were part of the gathering to meet the Prince of Wales at Sarnia, Ontario in 1860. The tail of the cat-like figure on the left side of the pouch flap appears to be coiled as if to represent a snake’s rattle. The figure may represent mishipeshu.