Beaded Pouches. Pouches are small bags often used to carry money, tobacco and other items. They are usually made of soft materials without clasps. They were often used by Native Americans to carry medicinal substances or tobacco but European pouches were more commonly used to carry coins.
Below are some examples and price guides of beaded pouches including a Plateau beaded pouch and a Native American tobacco pouch.
A Plateau beaded pouch
Possibly Apsáalooke (Crow), of hide construction with red stroud accents, beaded with geometric motifs on the face, the lower half and flap bordered in tin cone fringe.
length 8 1/2in, width 4 1/2in
Sold for US$2,304 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023
Gold, Wood, Silver, Leather and Cord Japanese Fishing Pouch with Chain Necklace
Wood bead ap. 38.0 mm., topped by an engraved silver medallion of a bending crane, gold ap. 19 dwts. Length 31 inches. Pouch 2 7/8 x 3 7/16 x 11/16 inches.
Sold for $1,000 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
Native American beaded leather pouch with fringe. Measures approx. 9 x 8 1/2 inches.
Sold for US$230 at Weiss Auctions in 2023
This is an outstanding, very scarce authentic original Cheyenne beaded hide triangle flat belt pouch tail bag dating to circa 1860-1870’s. Cheyenne belt pouchs with this long triangle shape are immensely rare.
Sold for US$1,200 at North American Auction Co. in 2023
Native American Indian tobacco pouch beaded leather. Size 15 inches long including the beads, width over 5 inches
Sold for US$350 at LOS ANGELES ESTATE AUCTION in 2023
