Photographs (left to right): Mt Charleston, Nevada; Cedar Keys, Florida; Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
Ojibwa-Haudenosaunee

1700-1750
Harvard 03-9-10/62375

R.D.Hamell December 08 2024
Original Size:
|
Rows: 6. |
Reproduction:
|
Beaded length: 50.0 inches. Width: 3.0 inches. Length w/fringe: 47.0 inches. |
Beads:
|
Rows: 299 by 6 rows wide. Total: 2,418 beads. |
Materials:
|
Warp: Leather. Weave: Artificial Sinew. |
Description 17000
ca 1720. Probably a treaty belt, diagonals signify temporary alliance. Was for treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Ojibwa of Great Lakes region.
Eight pairs of diagonals with white beads spaced out along its length. In places the belt shows evidence of repair where thread has been used instead of the more normal sinew. Whether these repairs were made by the Native groups or by the museum staff or other white owners is uncertain. Wampum was used as money in the past but now is used only for ceremonial purposes.
Reference:
Harvard University Peabody Museum 2024. Archaeology and Ethnology. https://collections.peabody.harvard.edu/objects/details/5030