Beadwork at the Shako:wi Cultural Center
at the Oneida Indian Nation

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Oneida Women earned an important part of the family income by selling their artwork to non-Natives at tourist centers such as Niagara Falls and Saratoga Springs. Oneidas and other Iroquois created a new style for tourists which featured floral designs composed of glass beads. The raised beaded designs were applied to new shapes such as handbags, pincushions, needle cases, and wall pockets. Most of these objects were intended to be worn as accessories to women's clothing or to be displayed in Victorian parlors .

Oneidas who worked long and meticulously on these creations were applying ancient, honored skills to a new situation. The method by which a built-up decorative surface was applied to an object was entirely traditional. Oneidas regard beadworking as a gift from the Creator to teach patience and humility. Such a gift should be used and it should be shared. Often beadwork was carried on by Oneidas of different generations who talked, as they worked, of their community and its history. In such a setting, these beaded creations took on deep personal meaning. The stories were interwoven into every beaded flower, petal, and stalk and the stories told of what it meant to be Oneida and Iroquois. The example below is a handbag made or collected by Oneida William Honyost Rockwell (1870-1960) (Permanent Collection of the Shako:wi Cultural Center, Oneida Indian Nation).

Shako:wi is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. almost every day of the year. It is closed on holidays including American Indian Day (the Friday before Labor Day). Group tours by prearrangement. There is no admission fee. All Iroquois Gift Shop on the premises.

Located on Nation lands about 35 miles east of Syracuse, NY, Shako:wi is a focal point for the culture and history of the Oneida People. Here Nation Members meet to share more about their heritage, and in turn share it with their friends. Stop by to find out more about the Nation next door, the Oneida Indian Nation. Easily accessible from anywhere!

Directions:
From East to West:
NYS Thruway to Exit 33, Verona NY
Left on Rt. 365 - Right on Rt. 5 - Left on Rt. 46
About 2 1/2 miles to Nation Territory.
Left at flashing yellow light.

From North to South:
I-81 to NYS Thruway to Exit 33, Verona NY
Left on Rt. 365 - Right on Rt. 5 - Left on Rt. 46
About 2 1/2 miles to Nation Territory.
Left at flashing yellow light.

For more information, call 1-315-829-8801.