Eastern Beadwork
Some of the finest and most beautiful American beadwork was done by the Woodlands Indians of New York, New England and Canada in the years before 1880. Using some of the smallest beads available, these painstakingly created pieces are filled with lovely designs and images. The bags, moccasins and hats here are some of the finest pieces available. The bags often have different designs on each side, so please call or email with any questions.
For those interested in learning more about Eastern Woodlands beadwork, we currently stock the book TRADING IDENTITIES by Ruth Phillips ($40). There is also a fine website detailing the exhibit of the Biron collection at several Eastern museums, which can be accessed here. It is a fine website with excellent early examples of Woodlands beaded items.
Currently in stock ...
|
|
|
|
| A truly great Iroquois beaded bag, c. 1830s. The color scheme is both beautiful and highly unusual, and the "exploding fireworks" design on one side is a great contrast to the more sedate floral work on the other. Excellent condition, even down to the old green silk handle. 6 3/4" x 6". SOLD (BD 2476) Inquire/Order | Unusual Iroquois beaded bag, c. 1870s. Most Iroquois bags of this age are done on black velvet, but this one is on a gold corduroy material, which we have not seen before. Ex-Wegman collection. Excellent condition. 7" x 6 1/8". SOLD (BD TW/97) Inquire/Order | Iroquois beaded bag, c. 1835-45. Lovely lavender, blue, white and green color scheme. 6" x 6". $1500 (BD 2301) Inquire/Order |
|
|
|
|
| An extraordinary Iroquois beaded bag, c. 1820s. Absolutely one of the best we have ever seen, with hearts done in a very unusual horizontally-grouped stitching. Excellent condition, with no restoration. Ex-Wegman collection. 6 1/4" x 6 3/4". $3200 (BD TW/92) Inquire/Order | Iroquois beaded bag with a great pinwheel design, c. 1860s. An unusual shape, with incredibly graphic beadwork. Ex-Wegman collection. Excellent condition (edge silk has been replaced). 5 1/2" x 6 1/2". $1295 (BD TW/94) Inquire/Order | Algonquian beaded bag, c. 1850. An oversize bag, with an amazing and unique beaded arrowhead design. Very good condition. 6 1/4" x 7". $1950 (BD 2162) Inquire/Order |
