Native American Beadwork Whimsy Picture Frame Iroquois Beaded Antique For Sale

This small antique Iroquois glass beaded Whimsey picture frame from the early 1900s uses mostly white glass beads but also has yellow, red, green, and grey beads in a beautiful design.It also has many hanging fringes. There is a pocket on the back of the frame to insert a photo.Condition:

Frame is in very good shape for it's age showing only minimal wear to the fabric on the back. No missing beads observed upon close examination.

Kahnawake is the reserve that the majority of the beadwork came out of. It is north of the northern border of New York and closer to Montreal in Quebec. It used to be called CAUGHNAWAGA.

HISTORY OF SOUVENIR BEADWORK
"Native American “whimsies” are beadworkattributed to Woodland Indian women during Victorian/Edwardianeras, which were madethem for sale as souvenirs in Iroquois areas and Niagara Falls. Beaded bags andnon-utilitarian “whimsies” became an important source of income for Iroquoiswomen helping to support their families....The early 19th century saw thecreation of bags, pincushions, moccasins and picture frames decorated in simplegeometric and floral designs.
During the mid-19th century – as Iroquoissurvival was threatened by land appropriations, the loss of traditional tradeopportunities and other economic hardship – the Iroquois developed new types ofbeadwork items made to appeal to tourists visiting Niagara Falls. Sometimesentire families were involved in making these souvenirs.