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Indigenous Beadwork of the Great Lakes

Open through April 26, 2026, 2nd Floor Gallery

Indigenous Beadwork of the Great Lakes features stunning examples of beadwork created by Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) artists from the turn of the 20th century. The exhibition explores beadwork as a form of resiliency and a method for expressing and maintaining one’s identity. Due to their delicate nature, this is the first time in many years these beaded textiles are on display. Don't miss your chance to see them!

Explore more images and information on indigenous beadwork on the ISM website.

Colorful beaded vest with floral motifs from the Indigenous Beadwork of the Great Lakes exhibit

Vest, Ojibwe artist, Ca. 1880-1900. Wool, trade cloth, silk ribbon, thread, brass buttons, glass beads. Gift of Mr. Thomas Condell, 1968-0071-808946. Collections of the Illinois State Museum.

Close up of a section of the colorful Ojibwe beaded vest

Close up of the beadwork from the Ojibwe vest at left.

Vest, Ojibwe artist, Ca. 1880-1900. Wool, trade cloth, silk ribbon, thread, brass buttons, glass beads. Gift of Mr. Thomas Condell, 1968-0071-808946. Collections of the Illinois State Museum.

“At the Dance, Lac du Flambeau, Wis.”, Arthur J. Kingsbury, Unknown date, Black & white photographic print, 5.5 x 3.5 inches, Image courtesy Wisconsin Historical Society, WHI-ID 132435.

Ornate beaded circular pouch with flower motifs. A long carrying strap has a blue and white checkerboard pattern trimmed in red.

Pouch, Potawatomi or Ojibwe artist, Ca. 1930. Leather, thread, glass beads. Gift of Mrs. C.W.H. Schuck. 1954-0045-804129. Collections of the Illinois State Museum.

Ornate beaded shirt with flower, leaf, and berry or seed motifs. Frayed red ties indicate it has been worn.

Beaded jacket, Ojibwe artist Ca. 1890-1920. Leather, muslin, cotton trim, thread, glass beads. Gift of Mrs. C.W.H. Schuck 1954-0045-804127. Collections of the Illinois State Museum.

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