Description:

Native American, Northeastern United States, New York / Canada, Ontario, Seneca / Mohawk / Iroquois people, ca. 1870s to 1900s CE. This collection includes three antique beaded textile purses. The smallest purse was originally covered in red cotton over thick paperboard - though most of the fabric has worn away, the intricate beadwork remains largely intact on the paper lining. The other two purses are made from red cotton and brown velvet, with the largest one hemmed in satin ribbon. Iroquois women, particularly from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), transformed their traditional sewing and beadwork skills into a source of income, creating a thriving cottage industry during this period. These beaded "whimseys," often crafted as pillows, pincushions, or wall hangings, became popular souvenirs at tourist destinations like Niagara Falls. The designs typically featured floral patterns, birds, hearts, and short messages that appealed to Victorian tastes. Size of largest: 7" L x 7" W (17.8 cm x 17.8 cm); smallest: 5" L x 4" W (12.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Memphis, Tennessee, USA collection, acquired via descent

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#189080

  • Condition: Smallest purse is has heavy losses to the red cotton, but the paper liner supports the beadwork. Some losses to beading and fraying to threads. Fraying to satin ribbon handle on large purse. Losses to beadwork. Midsized purse has frayed threads, missing beadwork, and losses to fabric along the hems - fair condition. A cryptic note written in pencil is included in the larger bag.

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October 5, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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