Beaded heart pincushion

Object/Artifact

-

BLUE: The TATTER Textile Library

Front

Front

Name/Title

Beaded heart pincushion

Entry/Object ID

2023.4.31

Description

Heart-shaped pincushion decorated with beaded embroidery. Center reads "TRUE LOVE." Sides and bottom have decorative beaded loops.

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 were a result of colonialism and the rapid growth of the 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

12 cm

Width

13 cm

Depth

4.5 cm

Material

Velvet, Glass beads, Silk

Color

Green, Red, Light blue, Yellow

Location

Box

Box 27

Cabinet

Object Cabinet

Room

Studio

Research Notes

Notes

"The Pin Cushion" by Becca Carr. https://tatter.org/the-heart-pincushion/