Small Iroquois Whimsey Purse, c. 1910

These fanciful beaded things were made from approximately 1890-1930, with a few families making them until the present date. The Iroquois lived in the Niagara Falls region, and the whimseys were often brought home as honeymoon souvenirs. Common shapes are match and whiskbroom holders, picture frames, pincushions, and hanging hearts. They are often decorated with dates, aphorisms, flowers, or all of the above. (All measurements do not include handles or fringe.)