This special buyer’s guide dedicated to Native American beadwork and quillwork, contains a diverse mix of traditional and contemporary pieces. Both beadwork and quillwork have been a means of spectacular decoration for centuries, with quillwork becoming quite developed earlier on. Quillwork also commanded a lot of respect for the demanding process that included dyeing and weaving porcupine quills, and was also connected to the spiritual realm. Eventually, beads were created from natural materials, and were a faster and easier way to decorate bags, moccasins, clothing and many other items. Tribes were further introduced to glass beads, allowing them to create works that have a stunning vibrancy. Continue reading through this section to gain more insight into the art form, while shopping for available, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Yonavea Hawkins
Caddo Nation, Delaware Nation and Kickapoo Tribe artist Yonavea Hawkins, prefers to work with Charlotte or cut beads for the visual appeal of the sparkle coming from the cut sides and with the shimmer from AB’s or metallics. “My creative use of color is inspired by seeing how the bead colors play against each other with a blend of traditional and contemporary design,” she says. Pictured here is a fine example of Hawkins's skill—a bracelet made of turquoise, gold and maroon-colored beads measuring at 2 inches wide and 7 inches long.
“In the bustle of the day, sitting down to create is where I find my peace,” says Chippewa artist Ramona Morrow. “Woodland florals is part of who the Chippewa are. We live in the great Northwoods, surrounded by the beauty of the forests, the lakes, and most of all, the flowers. I love flowers and every year I try to plant at least one new perennial to enjoy year after year. Beading flowers into my work keeps that beauty alive throughout the year. I always tell my children, ‘If you’re going to get me flowers, get me flowers that will come back every year.’ In my everyday life…I love to say ‘love of art’ describes who I am, what keeps me grounded and brings me peace.” Pictured here is Grandma’s Garden, a beautifully beaded, floral bandolier bag.
(715) 699-5234 » ramona@morrowsnativeart.net » morrowsnativeart.net
Dating from the mid-19th century, this pair of Haudenosaunee moccasins features both bead and quillwork. The vamps illustrate two techniques of quillwork—plaiting and one-quill sewing—giving the design a lace-like feel. The cuffs, having a beaded lattice structure with an underlying silk ribbon, complement the delicate quality of the quillwork. This pair of moccasins comes from the estate of Robert Streett, a collector known for his impressive collection of 19th-century Great Lakes and Eastern Woodlands objects, and will be offered at the April 21 auction.
5030 Oaklawn Drive » Cincinnati, OH 45227 » (513) 871-1670 » www.hindmanauctions.com
Western Trading Post
The patriotic theme of this Sioux beaded doctor’s bag from around 1890 to 1910 was popular in post-reservation beadwork, and this bag is a great example of it. The bag itself would have been an original doctor’s bag and the beadwork was sewn on using sinew. Although the patriotic theme was popular, you do not see beaded doctor’s bags as often as some other forms of beaded items. This wonderful bag will be available in an upcoming Western Trading Post auction.
403 N. Florence Street » Casa Grande, AZ 85122 (520) 426-7702 » www.westerntradingpost.com
Pictured here are five Apache beaded bags dated between 1880 to 1930. The Apache aesthetic is unique, often involving colorful geometric designs and rarely, figures such as the Native American head on the bag on the lower left. The bag on the top, far right, is a Daagodigha bag from 1901 to 1903. Daagodigha means ‘rising upward.’ It was a spiritual movement that promised that believers would live forever and have unlimited food and prosperity. Daagodigha was a prominent in Apache lands from 1901 to 1903. As seen on the bag, the cross and crescent were the dominant symbols for those believing in Daagodigha.
(508) 631-2703 » buffalobarry@charter.net » www.buffalobarry.com
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