We have spoken before about the historic practice of Indigenous makers using their skills and design work on items meant for a buying audience, particularly that of settlers and travellers. As a charming example, this lot features a simple bi-fold design that is lined with velvet and bound in silk ribbon and a beaded trim, simple on the inside to maintain its usefulness. The outside however is festooned with beads, a simple floral design repeated in triplicate that is bordered over and over again with even more beads. Given its utilitarian design, this case could have one of two functionalities; a card case or a needle case.

We are not unfamiliar with business cards, a ubiquitous aspect of our contemporary, professional lives. For generations past however, a calling card was an essential thing to carry with you to follow in the confines of social protocol. In this lot, we are treated to a beautifully adorned tool of this practice, as the pair of inner pockets can not only hold one's own cards to be given out as needed, but also provide space for those given to you. Similarly, a beaded needle holder is an item that is primarily utilitarian, as it does exactly as its name implies. A sewist could keep a selection of pins and needles in one place, gently pinned to the inner velvet pockets, while other tools and supplies could also be managed within the case. In either instance, this small case would be an ideal gift, as it is practical, small work to be treasured.

For a somewhat similar Needle Case in the Thaw Collection, see Gilbert T. Vincent, Sherry Brydon, and Ralph T. Coe, Masterpieces of American Indian Art from the Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection, (New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1995), object. no. T693, ill. p. 56.