Wall pocket (or match safe) whimsey Date Unknown

This small, intricately beaded wall pocket, or match safe, is a fine example of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) beadwork. The piece features a star-shaped form with a flap, made of buckskin, covered in colorful glass beads and decorated with floral motifs. The intricate beadwork demonstrates the skill and artistry of Haudenosaunee craftspeople, who traditionally used beads to create a variety of decorative and functional objects. These types of wall pockets, often referred to as "whimsies," were common in the 19th century and were used to hold matches, small items, or even as decorative accents in homes. The use of glass beads, introduced by European traders, highlights the cultural exchange and adaptation of Native American craft traditions.