A History of Haudenosaunee Beadwork

Haudenosaunee raised beadwork flourished as a tourist trade in the Northeast starting in the 1800s, after the Erie Canal opened. But the art form has long been an integral part of Haudenosaunee culture and identity, and has origins that date much farther back in time. At the New York State Museum and the Iroquois Indian Museums, Haudenosaunee beadworkers and historians reflect on the evolution of the craft.

[izabelabhering]

This is a wonderful presentation❤ I would love to see more videos like this. Unfortunately, so much of native art is kept inside museums’ vaults, where history is kept secluded so to speak. I realize museums have limited exhibit space, and exhibits are expensive to put together but the public in general misses a lot.

[rebeccaelle]

I am in awe. Awe. The detail...the history.

[redhornbuffaloarts]

I had the priveledge of restoring a tuscarora doll that was sold too someone at the falls in 1921. They had no idea is was from 1921 till I discovered the date under some busted-up beadwork.

[godschildyes]

I absolutely ADORED this presentation! It was so wonderful to hear the history, see the antique bead work, and visit with the women who were selling their works of art! I also enjoyed the "host" and was delighted to find that he too enjoys this special beading style that his people originated. What a kind and confident voice he has! So soothing and sure. This entire presentation made me immensely happy that I have a creative call. Thank you so much for sharing!

[mad_puppet_production]

my kids are native I am Mexican I love teaching them as well as me learning

[aurawright]

Awesome video. Thank you! I learned a lot.

[beowoofthemoviestar]

Very educational and inspirational bit of film - thanks for posting it. I will never have the patience or eyesight to do beadwork, but I can admire what others have produced.

[joan-mariacbrooks]

Several years ago, Samuel Thomas from the Canadan Haudenosaunee Rez taught a class at NMAI-NY. I learned raised beadwork from him. We did two barrettes and a photo album, both of which I still have along with the books.

[karenrussell]

Excellent vedio, couldn't see any of it. Writing over all vedio!

[Ganusiyosta]

Jon Lothrop, I find it a tad disrespectful that you refer to our people as coming from over the Bearing Strait as if it were factual, when modern-day scientists confirm that our DNA is only found in the Americas and not in Europe, Asia or Africa. As the Bearing Strait theory is being utilized as an acquired reference, and not factual, it would be best to honor our creation story or leave out the reference all together.

[christwhite]

Tuscarora was an adopted tribe from the Carolinas don't forget that, no voting rights! they adopted our traditions of the Haudenosaunee