Post Message Search Overview RegisterLoginAdmin
Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork
Post Reply Edit View All Forum
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:33:34

While in Western Massachusetts last month, I was fortunate to find a stunning museum exhibit of Native American beadwork at the Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield.

The photos that follow are a selection of the articles and commentary on display. The pieces were beautiful, and my iPad did not do them justice. I hope you enjoy the "Show" and if you can get to the exhibit - it runs through November 1 - please go!

Here is the "blurb" that advertised the show:

"Intricate, colorful, and symbolic, beadwork is a traditional form of Native artistic expression. In this exhibition, over 250 extraordinary examples of contemporary and historical Native American beadwork made in the Northeast between 1800 and 2015 are accompanied by compelling portraits of the beadwork artisans by Gerry Biron".

The first two images are some of the introductory information at the exhibit

1_IntroBeadwork.jpg (93.6 KB)  2_MapNativeNations.jpg (73.9 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
More Info - Glass Beads and Design Patterns
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:35:00

3_GlassBeads.jpg (75.0 KB)  3A_Patterns_Designs.jpg (69.7 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
More Info: Beaded Hats and 19th C. Fashion
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:35:52

3A1_Beaded_Hats.jpg (55.9 KB)  3B_19thC_Fashion.jpg (87.8 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Iroquois Traditional Floral Motifs
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:37:03

4_Iroquois_Style.jpg (82.5 KB)  4A_Iroquois_Floral.jpg (63.1 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
More Iroquois Items
Re: Iroquois Traditional Floral Motifs -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:37:59

4B_Floral_Collar.jpg (85.0 KB)  4C_Iroquois_Floral.jpg (72.1 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
And more Iroquois (& others)
Re: Iroquois Traditional Floral Motifs -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:38:44

4D_Iroquois_Floral.jpg (71.3 KB)  4K_Iroquois_Floral_&_Others.jpg (73.7 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Heart Motifs
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:39:51

6_Heart_Designs.jpg (83.4 KB)  6A_Hearts.jpg (43.5 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
More Hearts
Re: Heart Motifs -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:40:42

6D_HEarts.jpg (41.1 KB)  6E_HEarts.jpg (36.8 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
And more Hearts
Re: Heart Motifs -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:41:16

6F_Hearts.jpg (52.1 KB)  6G_HEarts.jpg (36.7 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
All About Whimsies
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:42:04

7_Whimsies.jpg (84.2 KB)  7A_Whimsies.jpg (60.5 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Some more Whimsies
Re: All About Whimsies -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:43:06

7B_Whimsies.jpg (58.1 KB)  7D_Whimsies.jpg (63.6 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
And more Whimsies
Re: All About Whimsies -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:43:55

7E_Whimsies.jpg (61.4 KB)  7F_Whimsies.jpg (53.9 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Continuation of Whimsies
Re: All About Whimsies -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:48:20

7G_Whimsies.jpg (75.1 KB)  7H_Whimsies.jpg (65.8 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Still More Whimsies
Re: All About Whimsies -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:49:00

7J_WHimsies.jpg (58.2 KB)  7K_Whimsy.jpg (47.4 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Mickey Mouse - No Kidding!
Re: All About Whimsies -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:49:48

7L_Whimsy.jpg (54.5 KB)  7M_Mohawk_Whimsy.jpg (71.0 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Wabanaki Beadwork
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:51:02

8_Wabanaki.jpg (51.7 KB)  8A_Wabanaki_Bags.jpg (67.1 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
A few more Wabanaki Bags & Hats
Re: Wabanaki Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:51:57

8B_Wabanaki_Bags_Hats.jpg (62.7 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Tonawanda Seneca
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:53:54

9B_Tonawanda_Seneca.jpg (68.2 KB)  9B1_T._Seneca_BAg.jpg (81.6 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
More Tonawanda Seneca & Seneca / Tuscarora
Re: Tonawanda Seneca -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:54:48

9B2_T_Seneca_Bag.jpg (83.5 KB)  9B3_Seneca_Bag.jpg (109.7 KB)  


Modified by Rosanna at Fri, Sep 11, 2015, 17:00:53

Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
More Tonawanda Seneca & Seneca
Re: Tonawanda Seneca -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 16:58:18

9B5_Tonowanda_Seneca.jpg (87.2 KB)  9B4_Seneca_Bag.jpg (79.2 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Seneca or Tuscarora
Re: Tonawanda Seneca -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 17:00:27

9B6_Seneca_or_Tuscarora.jpg (74.5 KB)  9B7_Seneca_or_Tuskarora.jpg (81.3 KB)  


Modified by Rosanna at Fri, Sep 11, 2015, 17:01:16

Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
And more Seneca / Tuscarora
Re: Tonawanda Seneca -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 17:02:15

9B9_Seneca_or_Tuscadora.jpg (75.1 KB)  9B91_Seneca_or_Tuscarora.jpg (79.6 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
New Beadwork Items - Mohawk
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 17:04:57

Along side the antique and vintage pieces were items made by the present generation of Native American beadworkers. The traditions are being handed down and the work is wonderful!

N1_New_Mohawk.jpg (59.0 KB)  N2_New_Mohawk.jpg (78.2 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
New Beadwork Items - Tuscarora
Re: New Beadwork Items - Mohawk -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 17:06:15

N3_New_Tuscarora_Hat.jpg (63.3 KB)  N4_New_Tuscarora.jpg (44.3 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
New Beadwork Items - Abenaki
Re: New Beadwork Items - Mohawk -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 17:07:27

N7_New.jpg (79.5 KB)  N8_New_Abenaki.jpg (83.1 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
New Beadwork Items - Chippewa and ?
Re: New Beadwork Items - Mohawk -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 17:08:47

Sorry, I didn't capture the information on the second trio of new beaded items

N9_New_Chippewa.jpg (84.8 KB)  N5_New.jpg (55.9 KB)  


Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Gerry Biron portraits
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/11/2015, 17:21:14

Along with the beadwork were portraits of the modern-day beadworkers, by Gerry Biron. The depictions of the artists, wearing a combination of traditional and modern dress, were a show in themselves. Most of the portraits included stylized totem animals that indicated the clan membership of the subject, e.g. bear clan, deer clan.

Here are two of my favorite portraits. The first one really grabbed my attention since the subject bears a strong resemblance to Liza Wataghani - for those of you that know her - what do you think?

The second portrait is of a master beadworker whose portrait I found very powerful. Note the deer motif in the background - she was of the Tuscarora deer clan. As noted on the very first introductory poster, she passed away in 2013. I think her spirit was there with the beads...

P5.jpg (42.5 KB)  P6.jpg (48.0 KB)  


Modified by Rosanna at Sat, Sep 12, 2015, 07:23:34

Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Thank you, Rosanna!
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Joyce Post Reply
09/12/2015, 06:26:56

What a great show that must be - thank you for taking the time to share it. I always admire this beadwork. I appreciated all of the text you captured too, and need to digest it all this weekend!

Yes, there surely is a resemblance to Liza!



Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Great post thank you for sharing.
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: beadweyr Post Reply
09/12/2015, 07:07:07



Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
Thank you for this great report.
Re: Made of Thunder, Made of Glass - Traditions in Northeastern Indian Beadwork -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: karavanserai Post Reply
09/12/2015, 12:29:18

I certainly have seen some beadwork that was unfamiliar to me. I just wondered how much of these original pieces are still to be found. Mainly in musea and private collections? Thanks again.

martine

Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
There are quite a few on eBay
Re: Thank you for this great report. -- karavanserai Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Rosanna Post Reply
09/12/2015, 15:23:52

Search "beaded whimsy" and "Iroquois beaded purse" for examples.



Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users
also see pinterest
Re: There are quite a few on eBay -- Rosanna Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Joyce Post Reply
09/12/2015, 16:17:00

https://www.pinterest.com/cheryl_mcmullen/iroquois-whimsies/



Copyright 2024
All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users

Forum     Back