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Museum object · Clothing - Fashion and Historical

Beaded purse used by Dinah Washington

1930s

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

White beaded clutch purse used by Dinah Washington. The purse is oval in shape with a top hinged metal opening. The body is covered entirely in short loops of white iridescent seed beads. A short chain link handle is attached to the hinged opening. Clear faceted rhinestones are set into the knobs of the pressure clasp. The interior of the bag is lined in white silk satin. A self-fabric patch pocket is sewn on one interior side. A white fabric label yellow embroidered text is sewn onto the top pocket opening that reads "Jorelle Bags / MADE IN BELGIUM".

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2010.63.1

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