Beaded heart pincushion

Object/Artifact

-

BLUE: The TATTER Textile Library

Front

Front

Name/Title

Beaded heart pincushion

Entry/Object ID

2023.4.17

Description

Heart-shaped pincushion with pink beadwork around the edge. Center beadwork reads "MY HONEY." Three loops of beads placed at bottom and sides, with a fourth at center top that may have served as a handle.

Context

This pincushion was possibly made by the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois – the Indigenous peoples of the Niagara region of the United States and Canada. These pincushions became popular in the mid-19th century and linked to the rapidly growing tourist trade. They were objects likely intended to be souvenirs and sold at outposts in popular tourist destinations. Haudenosaunee heart pincushions were heavily beaded with the most popular colorway being that of a red heart adorned with white glass beads. They would typically also feature beaded floral motifs, sequins, or beaded fringe.

Category

Pincushions

Acquisition

Accession

2023.4

Made/Created

Place

Region

Niagara Region, New York State

Lexicon

Getty AAT

Concept

pincushions

Dimensions

Height

14.5 cm

Width

13 cm

Depth

2.5 cm

Material

Glass beads, Silk, Linen

Color

Black, White, Pink, Tan

Location

Box

Box 27

Cabinet

Object Cabinet

Room

Studio

Web Links and URLs

"The Pin Cushion" on The Fold, written by Becca Carr.