Bear Claw necklace
Dublin Core
Title
Bear Claw necklace
Description
Artist Statement:
"This piece is made from wampum, derived from quahog clam shells found in the Northeast region of North America. Wampum has been used by Northeastern tribes for thousands of years. It has been used for trade, treaties, ceremonies, and regalia. The goal of this piece is to pay homage to the bear, one of the many animals that indigenous people both respect and admire. By making wampum bear claws with a bear in the center, the viewer is able to appreciate a gorgeous tribute to this revered animal, while not using any actual bear parts. Necklaces like this have been used to tell a story or honor the animals that gave their lives so Natives could eat, warm themselves, and create medicine. This necklace both empowers the warrior who honors the bear and Indigenous people of the Northeast by wearing one of the most valuable mediums—wampum—to the indigenous Algonquian people. This necklace serves as a powerful statement that Native Americans and their bear relatives are still here."
"This piece is made from wampum, derived from quahog clam shells found in the Northeast region of North America. Wampum has been used by Northeastern tribes for thousands of years. It has been used for trade, treaties, ceremonies, and regalia. The goal of this piece is to pay homage to the bear, one of the many animals that indigenous people both respect and admire. By making wampum bear claws with a bear in the center, the viewer is able to appreciate a gorgeous tribute to this revered animal, while not using any actual bear parts. Necklaces like this have been used to tell a story or honor the animals that gave their lives so Natives could eat, warm themselves, and create medicine. This necklace both empowers the warrior who honors the bear and Indigenous people of the Northeast by wearing one of the most valuable mediums—wampum—to the indigenous Algonquian people. This necklace serves as a powerful statement that Native Americans and their bear relatives are still here."
Creator
Ceaser, Tecumseh (Matinecock, Montaukett, Wampanoag Pokanoket)
Source
New York State Museum, E-2018.07
Date
2018
Rights
Tecumseh Ceaser, NativeTec
Format
Quahog and whelk shell, silver. 15.25 x 6 in.
Citation
Ceaser, Tecumseh (Matinecock, Montaukett, Wampanoag Pokanoket), “Bear Claw necklace,” accessed April 28, 2024, https://indigenoushistoryandart.omeka.net/items/show/13.