‘Made Of Thunder,

Made Of Glass’

WASHINGTON — In the early 19th Century the growth of tourism played a crucial role in the beadwork made by Native Americans of the Northeast. Sensing the desire and needs of the Euro-Americans for stylish Native crafts, the Indians of New England quickly adapted their traditional beadwork into designs and patterns sought-after by Europeans, opening a new tourist market.

Beginning January 18, the Institute for American Indian Studies will present “Made of Thunder: Made of Glass: American Indian Beadwork of the Northeast,” with more than 100 intricately Native American beaded bags, purses and hats dating from 1800 to 1900 from the collection of Gerry Biron and Jo Anne Russo.

Mr Biron and Ms Russo will be present during the exhibit’s opening reception Sunday, January 18, from 1 to 3 pm. The collection will remain on view until June 30.

Contemporary portraits by Mr Biron of Native People adorned with images of the beadwork complete the exhibit.

During the same era, a closer look at Plains Indians beadwork will also be presented. “Beadwork of the Plains,” also on view January 18 to June 30, will offer visitors a look at the geometric designs and images of spiritual power and personal strength in such beadwork. Distinct regional and tribal characteristics are apparent in some of the handiwork.

Other work is the result of intertribal marriages, where a woman who married into another tribe would blend her people’s version of bead and quill designs into those of her husband’s tribe. “Beadwork of the Plains” will present beadwork dating from the late 1800s through the early 1900s.

The museum is at 38 Curtis Road; call 860-868-0518 or visit birdstone.org for additional information.