At least I believe it's a chrysalis. I found it hanging from my gate the other day.
I'm in Western Arkansas:
Answer
Based on the image and location, I'd say you've got the chrysalis of a bagworm moth (family Psychidae) or some related species of case-building moth.
There are over 1350 species of Psychidae, and I am not certain of the exact species.
Caterpillars of this family are known to create protective cases out of local debris. Because this debris can vary, so too will the appearance of the case. Different species likewise prefer to use different materials. Sticks, leaves, tree scales, etc. have all been known to be used in their chrysalii. As a result, Googling for images should produce a wide variety of chrysalis structures. Here is one example using Eastern Redcedar scales in NC:
The University of Arkasnsas has a locally-relevant page about Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, one species that is often considered a "pest".
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