Arrowhead Embroidery

An image of a yellow fabric with various colours embroidered making arrow shapes.
Arrowhead bell pull piece from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Canada
Year: ca. 1870-1890
Materials: Linen backing with wool 

An immense length of this embroidery pattern was produced by various Harris Women at Eldon House.  It was applied as borders to other household textiles such as carpets or drapery. It was a common pastime for women in the Victorian Era to work on embroidery. Textile work was taught to young girls and could be practically applied sewing or decorating garments or pieces for the home. It was also a marker of good education, and women were encouraged to spend their time working on textiles to keep busy.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.