1800's Iroquois/ Mohawk Indian Beaded Whimsy Shoe-Boot "Wall Pocket Trade Beads

Description

Very nice fancy Beadwork:Stuffed with very fine wood chips: There is a tear on the back and a few beads missing. There is a small pocked on the top which was used to put
thimbles
in: see all photos for condition: Beadwork
increased and became an important source of income for Iroquois families. Moccasins, bags, pincushions, needle cases, scissor cases, smoking caps, wall pockets, picture frames, jewelry,  and match holders were brilliantly stitched with tiny glass beads by women, using tribal themes but also adapting to the Victorian tastes of their buyers. They were sold  at Niagara Falls and other sites near Iroquois communities.  The majority of the pieces of beadwork were sold at public events and tourist attractions, but some were sold at train stations, and some Iroquois beadwork was also sold by members of Mohawk entertainment groups traveling with Wild West shows throughout North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.