Wall pocket (or match safe) whimsey Date Unknown

This whimsically-shaped wall pocket was made by a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) artist. It's made from wool broadcloth and glass beads, with the beads carefully stitched onto the fabric to create a raised, textured surface. Consider the labor involved in the making process. Each bead had to be individually sewn onto the fabric. The design itself incorporates floral motifs common in Haudenosaunee art. These designs have a long history and connect to the natural world. However, the glass beads themselves were acquired through trade with Europeans. The combination of indigenous design and imported materials speaks to the complex cultural exchanges that occurred during the colonial period. These wall pockets were made as souvenirs for Euro-American tourists. They reflect the resourcefulness of the Haudenosaunee artists and their ability to adapt traditional skills to a new economic reality. This pocket transcends conventional categories; it's a testament to the fusion of art, craft, and cultural adaptation.