Panel

This is a piece of partially finished beadwork panel. The piece uses the technique of bead netting or threading where a surface of beads is created by inserting threads through them to “link them into a unified structure without the need for a base of fabric”. The beads used are possibly glass ‘seed beads’ or ‘Rocaille beads’. These were largely imported from European countries such as England and Italy. This piece uses various coloured beads to create decorative motifs. Tassels made up of yellow coloured beads line the widths of the piece. Such panels were possibly used as mattress runners, covers for side tables and ornamental hangings among other uses.