Purse
Textile MakerMade by
Northeastern Woodlands People
(Native American)
Dateabout 1838-1850
MediumHand-sitched cotton, silk, glass and metal beads, paper, brass hook and eye
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 5 3/8 x 6in. (13.7 x 15.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Edward Ingraham
DescriptionBlack velvet purse in a rounded shape, with a pointed flap that closes with a brass hook and eye. The velvet is worked on the front with designs of curls and 3-petaled motifs in concentric lines in red, golden brown, green, blue, pink, bronze, and yellow beads. The edges of the purse are bordered with white beads worked in a zig zag over a straight line. The back of the purse is worked with a diamond motif, with three corners extending into the three-petaled motif. Emanating from the top corner is a stylized pair of wings. The purse is bound with pink silk. It is interlined with stiff paper and lined with glazed ecru cotton.
Object number1959.35.4
On View
Not on view