Historic Native American Doll Art featuring Beaded quillwork

March 11, 2011



 Native American quillwork teaches patience and to have a Band-aid handy!  The beautiful craftsmanship of Beaded dress patterns, long frills, and bold artistic colors of these dolls is to be admired and respected. A doll's spiritual representation can be anything from a rebirth to objects tied to nature. The tribe and region also play a factor in the identity and crafting of the dolls. Smithsonian Magazine’s Blog, says the George Gustav Heye Center, Located in NYC will exhibit, some of the featured creations from Makah carver Frank Allabush, Ethel Washington, and Helen Cordero.  Will I see you there?

A 1999 doll from Fort Peck, Montana, made by Joyce Growing Thunder Fogarty (Assiniboine) is constructed of hide, beads, silk ribbon, cloth, paint, bells, and feathers. Photos courtesy of the museum