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Wampum Belt with Pearls

Belt with woven pearls, long rectangular shaped, with purple and white stains. We can see the shape of an axe as decoration.

Smithsonian Institution Collection, National Museum of the American Indian, catalog number 9776, http://collections.si.edu/search/detail/edanmdm:NMAI_10059.

Made around 1670 from quahog (clam shell) pearls, whelk shell pearls, sinew, rope and stain. Used during ceremonies or rituals.
Source : province of Québec; Algonquin fabrication; was  Moses Stacey’s property (Moses Stacy / Ma-is-ta-cu-te-tee, Kahnawake Mohawk); transferred to Harriet Maxwell Converse (Gayaneshaoh, 1836-1903) in 1901; soon transferred again to Joseph W. Keppler (1872-1956, a long-time friend of George Heye); acquired by George Heye from Joseph Keppler in 1906.