Hummingbird, The Passive Warrior, Amulet Pouch

Jody Stewart-Keller, Hummingbird, The Passive Warrior, Amulet Pouch, 1996, stitched and woven glass beads, Austrian crystal beads, jade beads, and sterling silver, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist in memory of her great-great-grandmother, Annie Crippin, Ojibwa, 1997.110
Copied Jody Stewart-Keller, Hummingbird, The Passive Warrior, Amulet Pouch, 1996, stitched and woven glass beads, Austrian crystal beads, jade beads, and sterling silver, 16 3⁄4 x 4 1⁄8 x 3⁄4 in. (42.5 x 10.5 x 1.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist in memory of her great-great-grandmother, Annie Crippin, Ojibwa, 1997.110

Artwork Details

Title
Hummingbird, The Passive Warrior, Amulet Pouch
Artist
Date
1996
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
16 3⁄4 x 4 1⁄8 x 3⁄4 in. (42.5 x 10.5 x 1.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist in memory of her great-great-grandmother, Annie Crippin, Ojibwa
Mediums
Mediums Description
stitched and woven glass beads, Austrian crystal beads, jade beads, and sterling silver
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — bird — hummingbird
  • Landscape — plant — flower
Object Number
1997.110
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1997.110

Artwork Description

This piece is designed to hold and protect an amulet, worn to invoke good and to ward off evil spirits. As a “passive warrior,” the hummingbird physically protects the amulet within the pouch. The coral fringe finish was selected for its twiglike appearance, and extends the naturalistic picture plane of the pouch. The flat “peyote” stitch recalls cultures of Africa, Egypt and Native America, where the hummingbird is believed to bring joy and happiness.