19th century Great Lakes bandolier bag strap. Possibly Ojibwe tribe. Nine different colors of seed beads decorate this strap. The beads are sewn to a dark blue woolen trade cloth background with a pale green border strip surround. The strap has an almost lyrical quality to its meandering floral design. This is an endearing Native American Indian object in very good condition. The strap is backed with a strip of early, fine 19th century printed trade cloth. Bandolier bags with beaded straps such as this were made to emulate the pouches used by European soldiers to carry cartridges for their rifles. They were constructed and beaded by women, though they were used primarily to complete the ceremonial outfits worn by men. Beaded bandolier bags were considered objects of prestige by the tribes that produced them. The straps were made separately from the bags and attached upon completion. 3.5 x 26 inches.