Jute hunting bag care

[Pvt. Lon Grifle]

I've picked up a very nice copy of a Cherokee Hunting Bag fashioned of  woven,twisted jute cord with a fringed jute bottom , and with an integral jute shoulder strap. Woven into the  bag itself is a decorative wool thread pattern.

Would anyone have advice to offer on caring for this bag  with respect to sun damage, or simple wear and tear as I intend to use it as an accessory while hunting,  not to substitute for a hunting bag,  but to keep a candy bar and sandwich ready for instant use when not being attacked by vicious Kentucky red squirrels.

I know jute/hemp twine frays and weakens with heavy use in such things. Should I grease it, oil it, or whatever?   Lon

[pathfinder]

Belive it or not,greasing it will help to deteriorate the fibers. Keep it out of the sun as much as possable,and "wash" it every now and then to keep the dirt out of the fibers. Dirt is like sandpaper. Woolite is the best product to use. Hand wash in luke warm to cool water,hang in a shady spot to dry,out of direct sunlight. Also,if you know a furniture cleaner,there is an enzyme based product called,"Power burst" that is AWSOME on natural material's.

I know,I know,they didnt have Woolite back then,but they also didn't charge upward's of $200.00 for a woven bag either!

[Pvt. Lon Grifle]

Thanks Pathfinder. It is an authentic reproduction, but that is no reason not to use it, or take care af it.  Lon

[Elnathan]

I'd be interested in seeing a picture of this bag, if you don't mind. SE Indian stuff  - both original and repro - seems to be a lot scarcer than the NE/Great Lakes stuff. Why this is, I am not sure.