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The label says that this object was created for the tourist market. Does that mean it (or something similar) was not used by the Iroquois people pre-Columbus?

Great question! You're right, objects like these aren't exactly tradition to the Iroquois before European contact. Beadwork certainly was traditional, and the Iroquois developed and honed that craft for the market, developing specific patterns and motifs that could appeal to European Americans.

For instance velvet, silk and glass beads weren't materials these people would have used prior to European contact. Likely they chose silk and velvet because European Americans enjoyed and treasured those materials more so than traditional suede or animal materials, thus making a product easier to sell.

Beaded Pouch

Arts of the Americas

As northeastern tribes were forced onto reservations and their traditional lifestyles were threatened, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) women looked for new sources of income for their families. They had always been proficient in quillwork and beadwork, so they began to create handbags (as seen here), needle cases, pincushions, watch fobs, and other items for the non-Native tourists who flocked to state fairs and other northeastern tourist spots. Haudenosaunee women set up booths and sold their arts featuring motifs of northeastern flora and fauna directly to eager customers.

CULTURE Hodinöhsö:ni’

MEDIUM Velvet, silk, glass beads

DATES ca. 1880–1890

DIMENSIONS Excluding strap: 7 5/16 x 7 7/16 x 3/4 in. (18.6 x 18.9 x 1.9 cm)

COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas

ACCESSION NUMBER 2015.68.24

CREDIT LINE Gift of the Edward J. Guarino Collection in memory of Josephine M. Guarino

EXHIBITIONS

American Art

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

RECORD COMPLETENESS

Not every record you will find here is complete. More information is available for some works than for others, and some entries have been updated more recently. Records are frequently reviewed and revised, and we welcome any additional information you might have.

Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

The label says that this object was created for the tourist market. Does that mean it (or something similar) was not used by the Iroquois people pre-Columbus?

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Beaded Pouch

Arts of the Americas

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