The Iroquois, or Haudenosaunee Nation, is a confederacy of six nations: The Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. Female artists from all of these nations created elaborate beadwork, but this frame was most likely produced by the Mohawk, who produced beadwork on purple velvet and using these colors, motifs, and the looping, raised beadwork technique shown on this frame.

The Mohawk artisans produced these and other beaded objects as souvenirs, or “whimsies,” which were in high demand by tourists visiting Niagara Falls in the early 20^th century. While viewed as trinkets, these tourist trade items nevertheless illustrate the sophisticated beadwork designs and techniques developed by the Iroquois. Beadwork artists congregated in groups to discuss patterns and socialize in their indigenous languages, also passing on their knowledge of their craft and culture to their daughters through storytelling.

The leaf patterns on this frame reflect traditional Iroquois motifs that draw upon imagery inspired by nature. The Iroquois had earlier created these designs with shell beads and quillwork, and they translated the patterns into beadwork when glass seed beads were imported to North America. Such highly decorative designs appealed to Victorian women, the primary customers for Iroquois beadwork, who preferred the motifs of flora and fauna as feminine patterns that were associated with the domestic sphere.

 

 

 

For more information, you may contact the researcher(s) noted in the title of this exhibit entry, or Dr. Billie Follensbee, the professor of the course, at BillieFollensbee@MissouriState.edu