Guillaume Marcotte Caribou Skin "Octopus Bag"

Fire bags were used by Natives, Métis and Voyageurs or Coureurs de bois. Tobacco, pipe, flint and steel were kept inside. Even if it was a very useful item, the fire bag was often decorated with glass beads, embroidery or silk ribbons. It was worn at the belt, just like on the picture below, painted by Krieghoff in the 1840's in Québec.

This fire bag is an "Octopus bag", which was one of the more popular kind of fire bags in the 19th century. It takes his name from the 8 tabs on the bottom. Although it originated from Red River Métis, it soon became widespread from Labrador to Alaska, from Arctic Ocean to Columbia river.

My octopus bag is an original work, but based on the historical style of the mid-19th century James Bay. All the materials used are historically accurate: Braintan caribou buckskin, calico (cotton) lining, green silk trimmings, glass beads, wool tassels and cotton thread (hand stiches). SIZE: Total length: 13". Width: 8"

Copy and photos supplied by Guillaume Marcotte. Guillaume is a professional braintanner in Québec-Canada working mainly on French-Canadian Voyageurs items. More of his work and information about purchasing hides can be seen at Voyageurs Buckskin.