Two Birds on a Basket, Beautiful Antique Iroquois Beadwork Star early whimsy Late 19th/early 20th I believe

Late 19th/early 20th I believe

I've come to realize that my favorite stereoviews (and tintypes

1778 in Groton

which became popular as an Italian art form especially in Florence in the late 16th and 17th centuries

chocolate vs

Two Birds on a Basket, Beautiful Antique Iroquois Beadwork Star early whimsy Late 19th/early 20th I believeIt seems most likely to me that this was made as a mat or wall hanging rather than a pin cushion it is more than 9 1 2 inches across, and the reverse side is finished with fabric but I'm not completely sure. Whatever the case, I'm never one to resist a wonderful bird, even more so two, here perched facing each other on the arching handle of a colorful basket. (the center of which also looks a little like a heart.) I do believe I could spend the rest