(46067) IWW Beaded Purse, 1910s

A hand-beaded IWW purse, made by an imprisoned IWW member who was convicted as a result of the Centralia Incident. The the word “Solidarity” is woven into the beadwork and the piece features the IWW “sabo-tabby.” The interior of the purse is lined in a deep golden silk and has snap closures. One large black bead is missing from the handle.

The exact date of the purse and the name of the prisoner is unknown. The purse was donated to the Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs by the IWW in the fall of 1996.