Manufactured by
Unidentified
Owned by
Barnett, Etta Moten, American, 1901 - 2004
Date
1950-2004
Medium
velvet , silk (fiber) , metal , glass
Dimensions
H x W x D (clutch): 4 15/16 × 9 13/16 × 1 3/8 in. (12.5 × 25 × 3.5 cm)
H x W (change purse): 3 7/16 × 4 15/16 in. (8.8 × 12.5 cm)
Description
This is a black velvet and silk evening bag and attached change purse belonging to Etta Moten Barnett. The bag is a rectangular clutch with a hinged opening. The mouth of purse closes with a metal snap closure on the center top of the bag. The closure is decorated with a gold-colored ornament covered in clear crystals. The ornament is a long, narrow and square piece of metal that curls into scrolls at each end. The exterior of the bag is covered in black velvet , except for a strip along the top that is black silk. The interior of the bag is lined in black silk. There are two interior pockets, one openand one that closes with a zipper. There is a white colored tag sewn onto the inside hem. It has gold and black text that reads “MM.” There is a small black silk change purse attached to the interior by a slender gold-colored chain. The change purse has a hinged opening and a gold-colored snap closure on the top.
Place used
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Etta Moten Barnett Archive
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
clutch bags
coin purses
Topic
Activism
Actors
Broadway Theatre
Clothing and dress
Fashion
Singers (Musicians)
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
A2022.13.1.65
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown – Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd544d92fc8-41bc-4e5a-86d7-934580ecf1a4

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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