Bandolier Bags

Right:
Joe Baker, Bandolier Bag, 2014. Fabric, wool, glass beads; strap: 24 x 7 inches, bag: 8 ¼ x 9 inches. Courtesy of the artist

Left:
Joe Baker, Bandolier Bag, 2021. Fabric, wool, glass beads; strap: 30 x 5 ½ inches, bag: 9 x 9 inches. Courtesy of the artist

After learning that white collectors had removed many historic bandolier bags from his Delaware Tribe community, Joe Baker taught himself how to make these beaded bags, combining traditional Lenape forms, like abstract flowers and leaves, with more personal symbols and motifs. According to Baker, who wears these bags on special occasions, “my hope was to bring this art form back to our people in our community.”