Curator

  • Art Institute Chicago
  • Harvard art museum
  • My Exhibition
A work made of antique and vintage glass seed beads on brain-tanned moose hide, with italian leather, smoked brain-tanned deer hide, ermine pelts, brass spikes, vintage brass chains, brass bells, bull elk ivories, and found, antique, doctor's bag frame.

Kaale Uuts Beaded Purse

2024

Elias Jade Not Afraid (Apsáalooke, born 1990) Lodge Grass, Montana, Phoenix, and Detroit

Detroit

Elias Jade Not Afraid created this purse in memory of his grandmother Edwina “UUT” Amyotte. A selftaught beader and fashion designer, Not Afraid infuses Apsáalooke beading techniques, color palettes, and geometric compositions with glam, punk, and eclectic aesthetics. He has created one-of-a-kind pieces, ready-to-wear lines, and accessories that have been featured in Vogue and worn by actress Lily Gladstone (Blackfeet). Not Afraid has emphasized that, “buying, supporting, and wearing Native artwork is cultural appreciation not appropriation.” Although you cannot appreciate it through the case, this purse smells like a campfire from the brain-tanned, smoked leather. Be sure to see the underside, which is covered in brass studs!

Antique and vintage glass seed beads on brain-tanned moose hide, with Italian leather, smoked brain-tanned deer hide, ermine pelts, brass spikes, vintage brass chains, brass bells, bull elk ivories, and found, antique, doctor's bag frame

Arts of the Americas