Featured Native American Beadwork

I have a collection of this type of thing. None of my kids wants it. . Just posting it because. I have pincushions, scissor holders, picture frames, etc. I started collecting back in the 70s when I was doing beadwork myself.

 

Were you traveling?? Do you think it's authentic? Or a souvenir piece? @Taupou I'm not crazy about how most of the nieces and nephew don't want most of our stuff either!!!! But, then, it'll be up to them to send it to auction then!!!!! And hoping some of them are smart enough to NOT get too skun!!!!

 

Nice Iroquois whimsey boot.

 

show some frames....I always liked those...

 

I love them too. I've got a couple in not very good condition myself. Made to sell but charming I think. Love to see yours!

 

This is the only piece not packed away and I'm not sure why it was out. I'll try and find the box they're in. Anyone old enough to remember a radio show called Fibber McGee's Closet? My mother talked about it. He'd open the door and you'd hear the sounds of things crashing out. That's my attic.

 

i just can't part with my Mohawk Saint..........

 

sold this old headdress a long time ago.....
someone clipped off all the feathers..................jerk !

 

Here's a current list of similar tourist trade items on eBay, also sometimes referred to as Niagara Falls , or "puffy" work. These might help you ID and value your pieces. Note, these are asking prices, not realized sales! There's also a reference book on there that you could consult. If you intend to sell them, I'd recommend repairing the broken strands first, since you are a beader. I'd love to see images of the frames also, please! https://www.ebay.com/b/Iroquois-US-Native-American-Beads-Beadwork-1800-1934/150011/bn_92838274

 

Maybe some bugs ate the feathers and left just ugly bits. I found that clothing moths will eat feather.

These are all of mine in not so perfect condition. The first I love the most and the last I don't think is NA but it's old and beaded so I threw it in. The Seneca Museum in Salamanca, NY has a nice collection on display or at least they did several years ago.

 

I always wanted to display them. For awhile, they were on loan to a local historical museum. It's funny because the museum closed and I thought they were lost. Ten years went by and they reopened in a new location. Jon was over rekeying the locks and he overheard the two ladies talking about the box of Native American beadwork they found in a closet and what they should do with it. Lo and behold, my lost collection and I were reunited.

 

What an interesting story about the journeys of your beadwork! The heart is very vibrant and seems to be in great condition. The last item, is it red yarn between the beads? They look like rosebuds.

 

Yes yarn flowers and clear glass beads. I tried to figure out if it could be NA but I think the consensus on the Ebay boards awhile back was that it wasn't. It's 6" x 7" with a coarse burlap like fabric under the roses and beads with a plain red cotton on the back. It still has a few loops of beads around the edges so I assume they went all the way around. If anyone knows what it's likely to be other than some old homemade project love to hear. I lightened the photos a bit to make the details easier to see.

 

What fun stuff! I have a few like items myself.
Leslie