Beaded Pouch

ca. 1880-1890

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.