Across Borders: Beadwork in Iroquois Life

December 9, 2001–May 19, 2002
New York, NY

With nimble fingers, keen eyes, and reservoirs of patience, the Iroquois people have long practiced the art of beadwork in communities in New York State, and in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Across Borders is the story of Iroquois beadwork from pre-Contact times to the present. Featuring more than 300 examples of beadwork—including pincushions, bags, picture frames, and clothing—the exhibition shows how this singular art form has been linked to the identity and survival of the Iroquois people. Across Borders also demonstrates that beadwork has enabled Native and non-Native people to cross the cultural boundaries that have separated them.

Organized and circulated by the McCord Museum, Montreal, Quebec, and the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, NY, in collaboration with the Kanien'kehaka Onkwawen:na Raotitiohkwa, Kahnawake, the Tuscarora Nation community beadworkers within New York State, and the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto.