As the piece is displayed in the exhibit (see first photo in set) it appears to be a simple panel that is covered in beautiful beadwork. What remains unseen is that the piece is actually an imaginative tri-fold carrier for needles. This style of beadwork is common to that of the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) of the Niagara Falls region circa the 19th century. Though our example has lost its snap to time, the front flap used to have a small snap to secure the folded fabric.
Needles were an important commodity for all women at that time. This beautiful example has two silk lined pockets in which the needles would have been kept safe. When the case was secured, the needles would remain within the pockets of the tightly pressed fabric. The demure size of the case ( demonstrated by the photo that includes a business card for size) allowed it to be slipped into a pocket or small purse for easy traveling without fear of loss.
