Antique Iroquois Tribe? Stuffed Cloth Seed Beads Decorated Star Shaped Pincushion

Description: This is a beautiful, most likely handmade, antique star shaped stuffed cloth pincushion. These pincushions and other similar items were made by native American Tribes (Iroquois?) in Upstate New York as souvenirs to be sold to the tourists. The pincushion, which is made of cloth is decorated on the front with seed beads and has the date 1918 in the center. These beads have colors such as white, blue, clear, yellow and purple. In addition, the beads are used to make two decorative tassels which are attached to the bottom of the star. The color of the front of the cushion is red in the center with a light and faded brown surrounding it. The back of the cushion, which was obviously never subject to sun tight, is a dark brown that is most likely what the front brown color used to be but did not fade with time. This is a truly nice old piece that is an exceptionally good condition for such an old utilitarian piece made of cloth and sewed beads. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date: 1918.

Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Size: The star measures ~6 1/4" and is 2 1/8 thick".

Maker: Unknown

Marks: Unmarked as to the maker.

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Very nice old pincushion, which would make a great addition to any collection.

Condition: The pincushion is in good condition with no repairs, or losses of beads that we could find. The cushion shows wear to the cloth in the front, a rip in the back, and some loose thread at one of the tassels, which we show in the last three photos. The piece has some fading of the colors on the front, which probably happened because the cushion was exposed to the light. Please see photos for additional condition information