Description

This North American beadwork cap dates to the late 19th century.

It is probably the work of a member of the Huron, or Wendat people, an Iroquoian speaking group of native Americans, or First Nation, as they are usually called in Canada.

The beadwork made of glass beads is applied to a base of sturdy dark brown velvet. It is enclosed by a decorative metal foil trim. Sometimes also called a “Glengarry” cap as it is in the style of the Scottish Glengarry caps first worn by regimental soldiers, the cap is a typical example of inter-cultural configuration, the work of  indigenous people who targeted European, specifically Victorian,  tastes. The creation of these beautiful items of beadwork provided a more than welcome source of income. A similar cap, but on a red ground, is in The Met Museum, New York, attributed to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and dated to around 1880 (see https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/319023).

The cap in hand is lined with a shiny linen and hemmed in with red bias cut cotton.

It is in excellent condition.

£500