Find simple instructional information about how these materials are used by Natives, and detailed background on the history and development of these kinds of Native technologies, showing both the change and continuity from pre-contact times to the present.

Wampum is a traditional shell bead of the Eastern Woodlands tribes of Native Americans. It includes white shell beads hand-fashioned from the North Atlantic channeled whelk shell and white and purple beads made from the quahog or Western North Atlantic hard-shelled clam.

Wampum beads are made from the quahog shell which is found only along the Atlantic coast of North America. This shell is primarily white with purple edges. The Iroquois got their shell beads in trade from the Indians of Long Island. In the 17. th. century the Dutch encouraged the use of wampum as a medium of

Apr 14, 2022 · Wampum is the descriptor for the material used in ancient beaded necklaces. These were used as trade goods among the Native groups in North America and even found their place as a currency in the early days of the colonies.

Sep 2, 2012 · Wampum belts were made by the Iroquois, and highly prized. They were used to sanction council meetings, confirm treaties, communicate events, or signify tribal outlooks and records. Wampum beads were made from the whelk Purple and the quahog clam shell.

Sep 9, 2023 · In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common Iroquois wampum belt patterns and what they mean. The Hiawatha Belt is one of the most well-known Iroquois wampum belts. It tells the story of Hiawatha, a legendary figure who helped create the Iroquois Confederacy.

Wampum belts consist of carefully placed strings of knotted wampum beads, which are made from quahog clam, whelk, or cowrie shells (Muller, 2007; Windatt, 2016a). You can see images of these shells and the beads in the gallery below.

Traditionally, depending on the wampum belt’s message, certain wampum are to be read either horizontally or vertically. They are to be held while their message is verbally conveyed to the audience during a council or diplomatic meeting, and they are not necessarily worn as regalia. The colours seen on a wampum belt may be quite bright and

The most well-known type of decorative Native belt used in southern New England was the wampum belt. Wampum refers to the white and purple beads made from the shell of the hard clam (known as a quahog).

Nov 20, 2024 · Often woven into beautifully patterned belts, strings, necklaces or other adornments, using plant fiber or animal sinew, wampum served a multitude of purposes. It could serve as a visual memory...