Antique Native American Indian

Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse

Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse
Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse

Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse

ANTIQUE NATIVE AMERICAN IROQUOIS BEADED PURSE. Approximately 6"H X 5.5"W.

A beautifully crafted antique Iroquois beaded bag. Most likely produced in the mid 1800's, this bag is designed with a lovely, symmetrical floral design. The glass beads comprising the floral design are multi colored with white, pink, blue, green and yellow. All are hand sewn onto a ground of black velvet of short and dense pile. There are some white beads missing and loose along the border.

There is some deterioration to the red fabric that is used as a border. Overall, for its age, the bag is in good condition. All the beads comprising the floral design are present and secure. Here is a little history on this bag and the artisans that produced it.

By American standards, this mid-19th century beaded purse qualifies as an antique, but in the terms of the history of the Iroquois people who made it, such keepsakes are contemporary artifacts. About 1,000 years ago, the Iroquois started moving up through Maryland along the Susquehanna River, passing through what today is Lancaster County. The tribes had moved north into the Great Lakes region by the time they first encountered European settlers, who introduced the Iroquois to glass beads. Purses like this one would have been a common Victorian-era souvenir for newlyweds visiting Niagara Falls. These bags were produced in quantity and are not hard to find.

But each one was created by hand by a skilled Iroquois craftsperson. What makes this bag special is the gorgeous design and colors.

It is a beautiful treasure to behold and would be an excellent addition to any collection or as a stand alone display piece. Please see the detailed photos for condition. Let me know if you have any questions.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Native American: US\1800-1934\Beads & Beadwork". The seller is "rorosantiqueandvintage" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

  • Origin: United States
  • Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
  • Tribal Affiliation: Iroquois
  • Artisan: Iriquois native American
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Culture: Native American: US
  • Handmade: Yes


Antique Native American Iroquois Beaded Purse