A wonderful, very small, antique Native American beaded pouch, the right size for a few stones, or herbs, or baby teeth--and perhaps indeed made for a child. I am pretty certain this is Seneca, of Western New York--two (larger in scale) examples included in photos, the first c. 1830, the second c. 1860. I would guess around 1860s-70s on this one based on comparison, but am not an expert; 19th c.I do believe. It appears to me sewn of a sort of plum colored silk with wool lining with black fabric, wool I think, backing the beading. Very charming and special feeling.
2 5/16” t x 1 15/16 n/a thread handle. Bead loss to one portion of the center element on one side, complete on the other, with light wear and a few scattered small holes in the silk. Seams holding well, not fragile, loop handle well attached, and beads are stable on the side with loss (with knots in the thread, used in the making, preventing further bead loss.)
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