Omaha The Omaha were associated with the Iowa in northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota during the mid to late 1600s. As the Sioux moved south and west, the Omaha moved still farther west to South Dakota, and by the late 1700s, to Nebraska. Several features characterize Omaha bags: Offset shoulder straps Identical designs on both sides of the strap Linear designs that are often repeated Mirror-image appliqué designs Six-pointed star motif. Omaha, 1900 Source: Mr. & Mrs. Fred Brady, Shawnee Mission, KS. [11493-5] Omaha, 1910 This Omaha bag features an asymmetrical appliqué floral design identifying it as a late bag with a design inspired by the Ojibwe. The short back panel and German silver brooches suggest a prairie origin. The offset straps are a design feature shared with the Winnebago. Source: Loan from the Anthropology Division, University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln. [A73.01.20] Omaha, 1900-1910 The horse motif is a common decorative element that can be seen as early as the 1860s. Source: Joy M. Swift, Lincoln [9837-1] Omaha boys on horseback with bandolier bag in 1899 Source: Nebraska State Historical Society [order photo] [RG1289-10-4] John Blackbird, an Omaha, about 1910 Source: Nebraska State Historical Society [order photo] [RG1289-17-1] Henry Turner, an Omaha, about 1910 Source: Nebraska State Historical Society [order photo] [RG1289-10-3] Alfred Blackbird, an Omaha Source: Nebraska State Historical Society [order photo] [RG1289-247] Interior of an Omaha family home in Lincoln, Nebraska Source: Nebraska State Historical Society [order photo] [RG2026-33]

NSHS Home Museum Exhibits Introduction People of the Lakes Early Ojibwe Late Ojibwe Menominee People of the Prairies Ponca Oto Omaha Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Potawatomi