It seems most likely to me that this was made as a mat or wall hanging rather than a pin cushion--it is more than 9 1/2 inches across, and the reverse side is finished with fabric-- but I'm not completely sure. Whatever the case, I'm never one to resist a wonderful bird, even more so two, here perched facing each other on the arching handle of a colorful basket. (the center of which also looks a little like a heart.) I do believe I could spend the rest of life studying 19th century Native American beadwork of the Northeast. (And there are some excellent blog by historian Gerry Biron focused on historic Iroquois and Wabanaki examples--one exquisite thing after another.) This I believe is Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) though (despite some effort) I am not completely certain the community. Later 19th century I believe.
9 5/8" measured across point to point. 9" t measured on the square. A bit delicate when handling, due to the aging and some loss of the backing fabric, exposing dense areas of stitching the beadwork to card, which I do like seeing. Only losses to the front are to the perimeter edging. I believe this could be pretty safely pinned up, but would be most inclined to have it framed, or else to lay it flat somewhere I could admire it all the time.
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