Wampum

"Wampum comes from the quahog shell, renowned for its deep purple coloring. It is found mostly in the northeast, from Queens through Long Island, New England, and some parts of Canada. Wampum has been used in my culture in ceremonies, teachings, history recording, regalia, trade agreements, and treaties to connect our people and remind us of our connection to the water and earth, which gives us life and food. We as Eastern Woodland Natives treasure wampum; its beautiful colors allows us to wear it with pride and know that our ancestors have been working with it for thousands of years. My artwork allows me to connect with my ancestors by carrying on their traditions and also saying to the world we are still here and we are still connected with our genealogical ties to the land. In my work, I transform the shells into something that is familiar to the viewer, it is my way of communicating that to Natives, the shells are more than just what they appear to be at face value, [they] provide the viewer with a glimpse of the spiritual connection that we have with the shells and Kukuna 'Ahkuy (Mother Earth)."

-Tecumseh Ceaser, Wampum Artist

Kinship
Wampum