Featured Beaded Something or Other - Possibly Indian Craft?

Hello Everyone - I bought this piece of needle art at an auction. It measures 11" across and 9" wide. A lot of the trim has fallen away over the years but otherwise it's in pretty good condition. It features a duck and two flowers. The auction featured mostly American Indian items and I also picked up a picture holder from Niagara Falls at the next auction. The two look similar. Any help identifying what tribe or group made these and the time frame would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Don

 

I think if you look at Iroquois Nation beadwork or whimseys (whimsie) you'll find some. They supposedly were made to sell to tourists. The first may be a small pillow or pincushion, the second a frame.

http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/publications/record/vol_01/pdfs/CH04Elliott.pdf

I've got a few pieces too.

 

Iroquois beaded pillow & picture frame.
Both turn of the century.....1900...to 1915

 

Thank you! I thought there was an Indian connection but this is well outside my usual area!
Don

 

There's a lot of info in that link. I love this stuff

 

I've always liked this type of beadwork Don, and grew up with it around here thanks to the Mohawk reserve across the river.

I will say that the Iroquois made tens of thousands of beaded whimsies like these in the early 1900's , and condition...& rarity of certain styles is the key to high values .

 

Here's a nice large Mohawk frame I have.
The pink fabric dates it & places it with the Quebec Mohawk peoples.

 

Oh that is beautiful! I was doing some volunteer work that involved the Senecas and toured the Seneca Museum in Salamanca. They have some nice examples of beadwork.

 

say_it_slowly and komokwa - thank you so much for the information and for sharing the beautiful bead work above. We used to visit Niagara Falls when I was a kid (1960's). I remember those trips really well - the Maid of the Mist, the light show, etc. And I remember seeing a two headed calf at the Ripley museum that haunts me to this day! And I seem to remember gift shops that still sold beaded items. I'll be reading the article above - I love learning about this stuff! Once again my sincerest thanks!
Don

 

you've got two nice pieces.....maybe frame the pillow ??

& you're welcome..

 

I have a small collection of this type of beaded work. I like it.