BEADWORK, PIN CUSHION

The hand embroidered beaded cushion for hat pins, made in North America by the Tuscarora beadworkers.

Experienced beadworkers, these items were sold to tourists when travellers started visiting Niagara Falls in the early 1800's. For the next 130 years, Tuscarora beadworkers at the Falls sold small souvenirs such as beaded pin cushions, picture frames, coin purses and miniature horse shoes for good luck.

The design uses glass seed beads stitched onto purple velvet. In the centre, a bird on a branch with 3 different shaped leaves and spray of buds. Around the perimeter is a border of beaded flowers and leaves, a flower in each corner and a pair of coloured leaves between each. The scalloped edge has two rows of white opaque seed beads.

The backing is calico which extends beyond the velvet forming a frill with clear seed beads on the edge, a dangling ornamentation. Many of the beads are missing.

The cushion has been filled with sawdust.

This calico backing has rotted and had a fresh calico backing attached in 1980s after purchase.