Object description

• Huron artist
• Purse, mid-late 19th century
• Wool, moose hair, silk, cotton
• Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada
• L: 6 in, W: 3 1/2 in (L: 15.2 cm, W: 8.9 cm)
• Gift of Miss Helen C. Hagar, 1968
• E45007

• Purse reflects cross-cultural interactions between Native and non-Native artists, teachers, and clientele
• Indigenous people turned to trade and selling their merchandise following loss of land

Wendat and Huron women embroidered moosehair on birchbark on scores of varying souvenirs sold to accommodate non-Native market demands. Taught by French-Canadian nuns, this purse's delicately embroidered botanical designs as well as the actual form catered to a Victorian preference. The naturalistic floral motifs also reflect the Huron's affinity to nature.