Iroquois Beaded Watch Safe

The Iroquois Indians lived in the Finger Lakes region south of Lake Ontario in New York State and are well known for their beadwork. For centuries the beads were used mainly for personal ornamentation, but by the late 18th century, beads were used to decorate items meant for sale to the tourists at Niagara Falls. Pincushions, needle cases, pocket watch holders, mats, wall pockets, and purses were the first beaded commercial items made in quantity by Iroquois women in the early 19th century.  This early beaded match safe is a wonderful example of one of the items they beaded and sold to the tourists.  The watch safe measures 4" long and 2 1/4" wide.                       #20-6065                  $85

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