Victorian Native American Mohawk Hand Beaded Whimsey Picture Frame, circa 1900s

A large antique Victorian era Mohawk glass beaded whimsey picture frame, an early turn of the century example, c.1900's, with excellent hand sewn 5 raised floral dome bead work. This is elaborately beaded in a floral and leaf motif, with hanging fringes. Bead colors are clear green, clear white, solid white, and two shades of green beads with some silver sequins alternating with amber clear beads around oval opening. There is a light brown velvet pocket in backing fabric to insert photo and with a double beaded hanging strands and braided string.

Kahnawake is the reserve that the majority of the 19th c 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.
Historically, Mohawks lived in the Mohawk Valley of central New York west of Albany.

CONDITION

This unique picture frame is in very good condition with wear commensurate with age including, two very small holes in front fabric backing, no fading to background front fabric and no staining, few bead loss at one edge corner, has few strands of beaded fringe loss and discoloration to the back. This piece is stuffed with thick stiff cardboard for stability. Two very small tears in upper and lower back fabric. A braided string and one strand of beads at back is detached at one end. Please review the images to thoroughly assess condition.

APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS

Measures 10-3/4" x 8" wide not including the 3" fringe loop bead work at bottom of frame and weighs 13 ounces.
The pocket at back of the frame measures 5-1/2" across and approximately 7" deep.

HISTORY OF SOUVENIR BEADWORK
"Native American “whimsies” are beadwork attributed to Woodland Indian women during Victorian times, which were made them for sale as souvenirs in Iroquois areas and Niagara Falls. Beaded bags and non-utilitarian “whimsies” became an important source of income for Iroquois women helping to support their families....The early 19th century saw the creation of bags, pincushions, moccasins and picture frames decorated in simple geometric and floral designs.
During the mid-19th century – as Iroquois survival was threatened by land appropriations, the loss of traditional trade opportunities and other economic hardship – the Iroquois developed new types of beadwork items made to appeal to tourists visiting Niagara Falls. Sometimes entire families were involved in making these souvenirs.

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Our antiques are collectible and are not new and not reproductions, and have lived a long and eventful life and sometimes developing flaws.  Therefore, use and wear should be expected with these items, unless stated in description. We do not clean or alter unless stated in listing, and most times have been in storage for many decades picking up old age storage oxidation spots.

As condition and description is largely based on personal opinion, we ask that you look at the photos carefully and decide. 

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 Item: Beadwork41 - pg10/23