Beadwork

Beadwork

Beadwork

top image
Images
Introduction

Beaded velvet purse with handle. Beaded with a floral motif on both sides. Attribution unknown (record says "Penobscot or Iroquois." Purchased in Marblehead, Massachusetts, by Foster Saville for the Haffenreffer collection in May 1928. The bag was made in early 19th century according to catalog record.

Date Made or Date Range: 19th century (1800-1850)
Materials

black velvet, natural cotton lining, red silk ribbon, glass beads, thread, sequins

Techniques or Format

2 pieces of beaded black velvet lined with natural cotton bound with red silk ribbon. Black velvet handle sewn to the sides. Beadwork partially raised in central flower petals. Paper template beneath the petals

Motifs and Patterns

On both sides: Large central flower with surrounding leaves, beaded line border. One side at the bottom centre - a small flower; on the other side at the bottom centre - an equal armed cross, and little white flowers or insects surrounding the central flower.

Dimensions: 17.9 × 15.1 × 0 cm
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

catalog record

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 1/3
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: 1928
Who the Institution Acquired the Relative or Heritage Item From: In catalog record: "Foster Saville purchase of three Penobscot beaded bags" in May 1928.
Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 1928
Previous Collectors: Rudolf F. Haffenreffer
Collection Narratives and Histories

Bag made circa early 19th century and purchased in 1928 by Foster Saville in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

GKS Reference Number: 45155
Record Creation Context

Visit to Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Brown University (Bristol, RI) of Wahsontiio Cross and Alexandra Nahwegahbow, assisted by Robert Preucel and Kevin Smith on 13 August 2015.

Approximate Place of Origin

43.6, -71.9

Source of Information about Places

Catalog record