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Native American Beaded Bags

Offered by: Allan Katz Americana

Description
American. Probably New York State.

The Mohawk tradition of Iroquois beadwork flourished as a cottage industry from about 1880–1920. Beadwork items were sold mostly to tourists as souvenirs at locations such as Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Saratoga. Some of the tribal members would even travel west as there are known pieces from St. Louis as well as from events such as the Chicago World’s Fair. A typical “whimsy,” as they were sometimes called, might sell for as little as twenty-five cents. This cottage industry was a critical part of the economic survival of the tribe. Our three bags are in superb condition. They have wonderful folky interpretations of birds, squirrels, monkeys, cats, horses, and geese.

More Information

Origin:	United States, New York
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Glass beads, fabric, cardboard and metal.
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Circa 1920.
Styles / Movements:	American Indian
Incollect Reference #:	102163

Dimensions

W.	6.5 in;	H.	6 in;	Diam.	5 in;
W.	16.51 cm;	H.	15.24 cm;	Diam.	12.7 cm;

Message from Seller:

A passionate collector and a successful and respected dealer in early American advertising since 1973, Allan expanded this passion to include collecting period American folk art and Americana. He subsequently became a dealer in this material in 1985. Allan has earned a reputation, in both the dealer and collector communities, as being an authority in this subject matter, for having extensive knowledge, a keen eye for the material and a love for this exciting American art form.

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