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Iroquois women
and men have been creating beadwork masterpieces for centuries.
The majority of the pieces crafted were made for sale but works
were also made as gifts for family and friends.
Members of all Six Nations of the Iroquois have created beadwork, but
the most notable pieces were created by the Mohawk and Tuscarora
nations, with beadwork hubs being the Niagara Falls and St.
Lawrence River Valley areas. Each area had it own distinctive style.
Tribal friends and relatives crafted beadwork pieces that were
sold by Iroquois traders to travelers, collectors, and other
native people. Mohawk beadwork was often sold by members of
Mohawk entertainment groups traveling with wild west shows throughout
North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. |
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The sale of Iroquois beadwork continues today, with beaders
living throughout North America and the world; however, the
majority live on or near the Iroquois reservations.
The Iroquois first traded for European glass beads in the 16th
century, replacing the prehistoric beads made from natural materials
such as bone, shells and stone. It is believed the glass beads
were used primarily as charms and personal ornamentation for
earrings and necklaces. By the 18th century, glass beads were
also sewn onto clothing in symbolic Iroquois patterns and designs.
The early 19th century saw the creation of bags, pincushions,
moccassins and picture frames decorated in simple geometric
and floral designs. |
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By the mid 18th century, many forms of beadwork were
made and designs were developed by the Seneca, Cayuga and Tuscarora
bead artisans. Velvet material and crystal beads were favored for
pincushions and picture frames. From the late 1800's to the early
1920's, Mohawk beaders continued creating elaborate pieces featuring
the raised beadwork technique. |
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Contemporary beadwork features images of birds, flowers
and plantlife. Prior to WWI, beadwork became less ornate, and by WWII
the patterns were simpler yet, using fewer beads and less complicated
patterns. Recent recognition of Iroquois beadwork as a legitimate
and beautiful art form has encouraged more Iroquois to create new
and exciting pieces. Iroquois beaders continue the tradition of creating
beautiful, intricate, elegant, and colorfully amazing pieces. |
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