This is also a wampum bead, but in a spherical form. It has a large diameter hole. Unfortunately it is broken and in very fragile condition. This bead, along with the two cylindrical examples, are the first wampum to be scientifically excavated in Arkansas. These beads have not been found at prehistoric archeological sites, but at historic sites dating from the seventeenth century. Native Americans might have begun making wampum to imitate dark blue glass beads traded at the same time by Americans. By the late 1780s, wampum was manufactured in American factories.

Keywords

Clothing, Attire, Shell

AAS Catalog Number

2005-602-27-17-1

General Provenience

Lot 35 Tavern Cellar