| I am a registered member of
the St. Regis Mohawk (Akwesasne) tribe and am currently specializing in
the design and creation of beaded amulet bags, probably best described
in the Department of Interior Artist
of the Month link. My design themes, which vary from geometric
to pictorial, are inspired by an idea, historical patterns, legends, and
even the beads themselves. I find it truly exciting being able to adapt
some century-old design into an attractive, wearable, exciting necklace
that is stylish today.
The Iroquois Six Nations Museum in Onchiota, NY has one of these beaded
amulet bags (sans dangles) dated 1840 in remarkably excellent condition.
That bag is done in seed beads (delicas were developed by the Czechs in
1870 especially for the peyote stitch). It has a pointed flap, and similarly
beaded strap. The popularity of these beaded amulet bags, worn as necklaces,
spread throughout Europe in the Victorian Era of the 1800s, and eventually
made their way back to America as a "new" item the latter part
of the 1900s. There's a slight distinction between an amulet bag (worn
for spiritual or emotional healing, or for ceremonial occasions) and a
medicine bag (worn for physical healing on an almost daily basis).
Beads have always been a precious commodity to Native Americans from
the first time Europeans brought them to North America as trade items.
Beads eventually became almost a monetary unit and were worn or displayed
as a symbol of a family's wealth and prestige. My pouches are made entirely
of beads, usually delicas, strung on size D nylon (Nymo) beading thread.
The thread is conditioned to reduce knotting and fraying. It passes through
every bead at least two to four times. Each bead is added one at a time,
stacking the beads like bricks. There are no shortcuts to completion (at
least not that I have found). The dangles are chosen to closely match
or repeat the theme of the bag, and to enhance its overall beauty.
I am often asked the question, "How many beads are in each bag?"
I can with confidence answer "4,000 to 6,000, depending upon the
design, whether there is a flap, and the length of the neck chain."
The creation time (not including design and record keeping) is, with luck,
around 25 hours--sometimes up to 35 hours. In a "good" week,
I can complete one bag and begin work on another. In a "good"
month, I can complete four. Seldom is my production total any more than
that. All bags are named and numbered in sequence of their creation.
All of my bags have a beaded neck chain. I will do none with the beads
simply strung on a thread like a necklace. I feel this is creates the
difference between a trinket and an heirloom. The strap is not attached
separately, it is a continuous extension of the bag itself. The bottom
of the bag is the last two rows sewn together. There are no seams on the
sides of the bag because the main portion is worked in a circular stitch
around a cardboard tube.
I have taught three of my sisters (Robin Miller, Jeffra Montroy and Sue
Ann Huchcroft), my children, cousins from Akwesasne, friends, and numerous
others (who have become friends) to make these amulet bags. Their designs
and successes are so exciting and gratifying. It gives me great pleasure
to see the art form now spreading. Sharing the knowledge of how to do
this almost meditative exercise is so very rewarding.
Due to the limited number of amulet bags that I could personally create
in a year, I would be able to attend a maximum of two shows, but
joining with my sisters enables us all to attend three or four. It's a
good excuse to spend time together that we would not otherwise do, because
of job and family demands. All four of us thoroughly enjoy the opportunity
to meet so many interesting people, share this historical item with them,
and familiarize them with this style of beadwork--telling stories of the
Iroquois along the way. Come see us --I look forward to meeting you and
talking at length at one of our shows.
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