Wampum necklace

Wampum necklace

The carefully carved, larger shell beads on this necklace are generally thought to reflect a bird-like form. Examples of these kinds of bird-like shell beads are present in the material culture of Indigenous peoples across what is now New York.

Unknown Indigenous artist

Southold Indian Museum. Collected in Cutchogue in the early 20th century by Nathaniel E. Booth (1872–1948).

Unfortunately, the precise context in which this pot was discovered was not documented, nor were Shinnecock, Unkechaug, Montaukett, and other Indigenous peoples properly consulted at the time it was uncovered.

ca. 1650

Southold Indian Museum. Photograph by Jeremy Dennis.

Quahog and whelk shell