Indiana University Indiana University IU

Culture Eastern Woodlands
Title Belt Cup
Date 18th century
Medium Wood
Dimensions Object: 4 1/8 × 1 5/8 in. (10.5 × 4.1 cm)
Overall: 4 1/8 × 1 5/8 in. (10.5 × 4.1 cm)
Credit Line Raymond and Laura Wielgus Collection, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 2010.40

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About this Work

The Northeastern Wabanaki groups (Penobscot, Abenaki, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi'kmaq nations) of Vermont, Maine and eastern Canada had a history of being guides for Europeans who wanted to explore the region. They made available drinking cups that the guides themselves crafted or were crafted in trade centers. These "belt cups" or "canoe cups" were crafted from hardwoods and burls and often had sporting motifs carved on them. Many are much more elaborate than this example. These "belt cups" were also used while hunting and fishing and were attached to a sash or belt typically with a leather thong.


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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Cite this Page
"Belt Cup | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=2010.40