Antique Native American Iroquois or Mohawk beaded silk and velvet whimsy bag

The reverse side of this antique Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) beaded whimsy bag features a split-pocket or double-compartment design typical of late Victorian and early 20th-century souvenir purses. The Flap Motif: The top flap displays a beautifully executed bird motif, stitched with clear and multi-toned green glass seed beads to create a dimensional, raised pattern.

The main body section is adorned with a central rosette or wheel medallion, surrounded by delicate branching floral sprigs and smaller multi-colored blossoms. Thick fabric piping outlines the geometric sections of the bag, and the entire lower perimeter is finished with a lively, multicolored glass bead loop fringe.

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