If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know I have received lots of training from Native Americans of the Tuscarora Indian Nation, which is located in and around Lewiston, New York. Their history of beadwork has been passed down for generations and the women I have studied under learned their techniques and patterns from their ancestors. In the early 1900s many of these women made various beaded items for the tourist trade in Niagara Falls, NY. These items were most often made from clear glass beads, which were meant to mimic lace patterns that were so popular at the time.
So anyhow, my point to all of this is :
I now can say I have a piece of this historic beadwork in my studio!! A friend that I work with was cleaning out a barn which has 'tons' of old family things that have accumulated over the years. She came across this piece and thought of me (for which I will be forever grateful!) Its a clamshell needle case and I am thrilled to call it mine!
Considering it has been in a barn (just laying with a bunch of other 'stuff') for goodness knows how long, it is in great shape.
I love it that it was actually used :)
I will treasure it always.
4 comments:
Oh Lynn... lucky indeed. What a wonderful treasure and how perfect that is has a home with someone that will truly appreciate it. Thanks so much for sharing the photos.
It is your lucky day. What a find. And to think, another person, not your friend, might have thrown it away. It was waiting for you!
Lucky Lynn!!! The needle case is just great -- I like the colors and the birdie on the front. Hey, I didn't know about your teachers having Native American heritage and all that. That is very cool.
I was going to comment earlier but the boss came in... LOL
Lynn, This is so cool. And I have said before how lucky you are to be able to take these classes and learn how to bead in this style... And you do it wonderfully...
Love, Deb
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