These bead patterns can be found on Bandolier bags, a bag based on those carried by European soldiers. Made by Lenape people, these patterns are made using a wide range of colorful beads. Lenape women used trade cloth and embroidered glass beads obtained through European traders. The variety of color beads allowed for more intricate patterns. The designs found on these bags tend to be symmetrical and use white beads as an outlining color – allowing the design to stand out. The miniature scale of these beads allowed Lenape artist to form curves. The Prairie Style refers to the use of floral motifs throughout the bead work on the bag. The flowers displayed were either abstract and never seen before, or natural flowers one can spot in nature.
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