The Art of Haudenosaunee Beadwork
The Art of Haudenosaunee Beadwork
Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center Hosts Opening of New Exhibit in the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, “Here, Now, and Always”
When I was younger, my mother’s friend made me a beautiful pair of beaded earrings that I still keep in a case in my bedroom. They are delicate pieces of work that were painstakingly strung in a waterfall pattern with tiny little seed beads. I remember being in awe of the creation, and to this day, I still appreciate so much hard work for something that seems so small.
Beadwork is truly an art, and the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum (housed at the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, 82 W. Hetzel Street in Salamanca, NY) is planning an exhibition to celebrate just that. “Here, Now, and Always: Haudenosaunee Beadwork” will open on September 23rd from 10:00am-4:00pm. ellicottvilleNOW took the opportunity to discuss the event with Cultural Center Director Hayden Haynes.
eNOW: The newest exhibition really details the traditional art of beadwork. What prompted this exhibit's creation?
HAYDEN: Since the beginning of this year, our vision of the Center is to put more emphasis on highlighting our collections. Beadwork has become a traditional art that we have a large amount of and it also made sense to highlight it now as the International Iroquois Beadwork Conference is being held at the Allegany Administrative building right next door, on the same weekend.
eNOW: Could you give us a little history on the art of Haudenosaunee beadwork?
HAYDEN: It’s a form of self-expression at heart - the forms and motifs speak to our cultural stories, beliefs and identity. European people brought over seed beads and our People began to integrate them into our art, clothing and jewelry. But the forms, designs and motifs are really a continuation of earlier design found on our pottery, then on antler combs to quillwork to animal hair embroidery, and then to beadwork, which is now just showcasing our People’s continuing creativity.
eNOW: The opening is on September 23rd. Is there a cost of admission? What will be happening at the opening?
HAYDEN: This is a FREE event, no cost of admission. There will be food trucks and traditional foods offered, beadwork demonstrators/vendors and the biggest highlight of the day will be our two guest speakers. Ken Williams Jr. (Northern Arapaho/Seneca), the world renowned bead artist originally from Cattaraugus (now lives in Santa Fe) is coming out to talk about the traditional art and how the modern design is integrated in his works today. Grant Jonathan (Tuscarora) will be speaking about historical beadwork methods and pieces. Having these two gentlemen travel so far to come speak at the exhibit opening is greatly humbling and appreciated.
eNOW: This collection features works from across Turtle Island and the event is hosting demonstrators. Can you tell us about them?
HAYDEN: The collection has pieces that are both old and modern. Some of the past pieces are so old we do not have their origin information but are well deserving of display. The event will not just be featuring the collected works but there will also be several demonstrators from throughout the territories. Courtney Regis (Seneca), Lexi Sickles (Oneida) and Lakorihwato:ken Hemlock (Mohawk) will be on hand to show how beadwork design is done in each of their own styles and each of those demonstrators will be vending their works for purchase.
eNOW: Why do you believe that this exhibit is important for not just the museum but for the community to see?
HAYDEN: First and foremost, there are some pieces in our collection that are from people in our communities that have passed away. For people to see things their grandparents might have made, showcased for everyone to view, is very meaningful. It is also a way to honor the creativeness of our ancestors. Family is important to our culture. Beadwork is something that the People still use on their regalia and jewelry today. It’s a chance to show the early work of our ancestors and relatives, the full evolution of beadwork from the past til now, and as we look towards the future.
eNOW: What else is in the works at the museum for the duration of 2023?
HAYDEN: We are busy planning our November Winter Art Market, which is always well attended. We have traditional and non-native vendors showcasing amazing works of art, jewelry and home decor. Then we have our Annual Spring Art Show for 2024, which is one of our most popular events.
eNOW: Anything else you would like to add?
HAYDEN: We would like to invite everyone in our surrounding communities to come out to the Cultural Center to see the museum’s new exhibit. Young and old alike are welcome to come and view the pieces, learn about their origins and what they mean to our culture and enjoy a nice educational but entertaining family day out.
Thank you, Hayden, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing such amazing information on the upcoming exhibit opening. If you would like more details on this event or what’s happening at the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, call 716-945-1760 or visit senecamusuem.org.
