Iroquois Beadwork and the
Iroquois Studies Association
by Doris Coghill
Dolores Elliott is one of the top experts in the country when it comes to Iroquois Beadwork. She has one of the largest collections (2,000+) of what many people call Victorian Whimsy's - although she prefers not to use that term. The pieces were made by the various native American tribes in and around upstate New York mostly to sell to the tourists during the late 1800's and early 1900's. The pieces are easily recognized by their raised beadwork designs. You will find pin cushions, picture frames, tiny needlework purses, larger box purses, flat purses, match holders, boots, pillows and other items.
I collect these pieces of beadwork and am a member of the Iroquois Studies Association that is headed by Dolores.
Dolores recently published an article in the Bead Forum (newsletter for the Society of Bead Research of which I am also a member) on Beaded Iroquois Flat Beaded Purses that I wanted to share with you (with her permission) - click here to read PDF file of the article
This is a link to the Iroquois Studies web site and another article by Dolores along with more pictures of the beadwork and purses
http://www.otsiningo.com/beadwork.htm
http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/iroquois-purses