Traditional Beaded Medicine Bag Class Ends at Akwesasne Museum

In what was filled almost from the minute it was posted, Bill Loran’s Traditional Beaded Medicine Bag Class wrapped up amidst raucous celebration, or maybe not, but the class was pretty animated and everyone was having a ball. The class was held over 3 weeks and there were two classes a week. In the class the students completed at least 1 bag, but most got a second one in.

Not only was the class teaching the skills to make medicine bags, but there was a cultural and language component as well.

Student Debbie Solomon took the course this time around on the recommendation of her daughter, who loved the fan making class she took. This class also managed to get beaded barrettes made during the class, which amidst all the fun and laughter was a marvel in its own right.

Describing his class, Loran said, “It’s a Mohawk language, and beadwork class, or maybe it’s a beadwork and Mohawk class.”

The next class that is being offered is a Utility Basket Class instructed by Henry Arquette. Arquette’s six-week class begins on September 24th and is already full. For more information on the classes offered at the Akwesasne Museum, you can call Sue Ellen Herne at 518-358-2461.