Original Size:	Length: 6.25 inches by 2.5 inches. Rows: 55 by 9.
Reproduction:	Beaded Length: 18.2 inches by 4.1 inches. Total w/fringe: 42.2. Reproduction: estimation of original length belt.
Beads:	109 rows by 9 wide: 981 beads.
Materials:	Artificial sinew on leather.

Description:

This belt was sent by Chief Black Hawk, the famous Sauk leader and patriot of the Indian nations at Traverse Bay, Michigan, with a message that their people should remain neutral during the campaigns and Indian revolts at Michilimackinac.

This is part of a personal belt belonging to Tëwönyas (Chainbreaker).

Tah-won-ne-ahs was born between 1737 and 1760, and died in 1859.

Governor Blacksnake was a Seneca War Chief who fought on the side of the British during the American Revolutionary War from 1777 to 1783, most notably at the Battle of Oriskany.

Tah-won-ne-ahs or Thaonawyuthe, known in English as either Chainbreaker to his own people or Governor Blacksnake to the European settlers, was a Seneca war chief and sachem.

Note:Reproduction belt consist of more rows of beads to approximate the length of the original belt.

Reference:

Anderson, Lisa, 2013, NYS Museum. Personal Communications

Bardeau, Eileen Wms., Edited by Jaré Cardinal, 2010. Definitive Seneca: It's In The Word. Published by Seneca-Iroquois National Museum.

Wampum Shop, Six Nations of the Grand River territory, near Brantford, Ontario, 3080 4th Line, RR#1, Ohsweken, ON, 519-445-2100. WebSite