Ojibwa beadwork comes from the Great Lakes area, specifically in Southern Canada. It often incorporates floral and geometric designs and quillwork. Occasionally other designs such as zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, dream, and clan symbols can be found but these are very rare.
Below are some examples and price guides of Ojibwe beadwork including a rare Eastern Great Lakes pouch and a late 19th bandolier.
A RARE EASTERN GREAT LAKES QUILLED AND BEADED NECK POUCH
Probably Eastern Ojibwe, the rectangular trade cloth bag with white pony bead surround, one quillwork panel worked with an opposing pair of thunderbirds and two panels with stepped geometric motifs, with two rows of beaded hide tabs suspending tin cones and hair drops, on a fabric strap.
length of pouch 11 5/8in, width 6 1/8in
Sold for US$ 75,075 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2019
A Great Lakes Ojibwa Bandolier, late 19th century, the beaded bag decorated with abstract multi-color floral designs on a beaded white and black velvet ground, above blue and red wool tassels, together with a hand written letter from Frank (Ta-Tanka-Ska) White Buffalo Man (1903-1977) dated 1956
Sold for US$700 at Clars Auction Gallery in 2021
