Final answer:
Women historically used materials such as porcupine quills, glass beads, yarn, and ribbons to create bags, evolving their craftsmanship with available resources. Today, repurposing non-traditional materials for functional items or costumes is a continuation of this creative tradition. These practices showcase the innovation and adaptability in material usage across different eras.
Step-by-step explanation:
The construction of bags for food or personal items historically involved the use of various materials, influenced by cultural exchanges and the availability of resources.
Specifically, the later bandolier bag highlights the evolution of materials used by women artists, who transitioned from traditional porcupine quills to new materials such as glass beads, yarn, and ribbons acquired through trade with Europeans.
This allowed for intricate patterns and a vibrant array of colors in their decorative arts. Similarly, in modern contexts, creators often repurpose non-traditional materials like Amazon gift bags or soda can tabs to create costumes or functional items, showcasing the enduring innovation in material usage.
Furthermore, the historical references like the Dutch East India Company sailor mentioning his wife making fine lace, and the portrayal of upper-class Roman society in satirical poetry, show that throughout history, personal adornments and the making of intricate goods like lace or bandolier bags have been a significant part of cultural practices.
Whether for beauty or practicality, the materials chosen—be they traditional, traded, or repurposed—reflect the creativity and adaptability of artisans and makers across time.