A common symbol on souvenir items made by Native Americans was the American flag. Besides being easily recognizable by consumers, there were many other reasons why Native Americans beaded flags on bags, purses, dresses, and other items. Flags have been given as gifts at negotiations; flags have served a sign of friendship; flags honor Native American soldiers who have died in United States military service; and flags represent the identity of Native Americans as United States citizens.

     While created for sale as souvenirs, commodity items such as the purse shown here held dual significance to Native Americans and Anglos. Although the purchaser of the souvenir purse would not recognize it, the maker of the purse was conscious of the Ojibwe symbolism of the colors in the United States flag. Blue is a symbol of the sky, or upper world; red is a symbol of power; and white is a symbol of purity. In addition to beading crossed flags, the maker has beaded the word BOX on the purse lid.

Text by Erin Dinsmore