Image of handbag made of birchbark with floral porcupine quilled designs and leather binding.

RCIN 84333. Image: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023.

Handbag by Margaret Anderson (maker confirmed by inscription on base), RCIN 84333. 28.0 x 38.0 x 8.0 cm. The bag is modelled after a Victorian carpet bag, with Indigenized floral designs and deerhide gussets and trim.

Margaret won prizes at the 1848 Cobourg Fair (Best Indian Cradle, Hand Basket). On the 1861 census she is listed as aged 40, married to John Anderson, hunter, with four children. She died in 1888 and is buried at Hiawatha.

Mskimod gaa zhittod ow Margaret Anderson ezhinkaasod. Margaret gii pkinaage 1848 pii gaa zhittod taknaagan minwaa gii gowyikaajganed. Wgii wiidgeman John Andersonan 1861 niiwin-tana gii nsabongizi minwaa niiwin binooji'an wgii yaawon. Gii shkwaabmaadzi 1888 mii odii Hiawtha gii nagwowind. Wiin gaazhittod wdi zhinaaswin temgad nami mskimod.

Sac à main fait par Margaret Anderson (artisane identifiée par une inscription dans le bas de l’objet), RCIN 84333. 28 cm x 38 cm x 8 cm. Le sac s'inspire d'un sac à tapis victorien, avec des motifs floraux indigènes et des soufflets et des garnitures en peau de cerf.

Margaret a gagné des prix à la foire de Cobourg de 1848 (meilleur berceau indien, panier à main). Au recensement de 1861, elle a 40 ans, elle est mariée à John Anderson, chasseur, et a quatre enfants. Elle est décédée en 1888 et est entérrée à Hiawatha.

Handbag made of carpet with floral designs.

Carpet bag, c.1865. Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2009.300.3926.

Presented to the Prince of Wales by Margaret Anderson written on bottom of bag

Inscription on base of Margaret Anderson's handbag.