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Dentalium

3/2/2018

2 Comments

 
​Dentalium, a small ocean mollusk native to the areas around Vancouver Island, was used as a form of currency by tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest and as far east as the Dakotas. Many of the shells were strung on thread made from irises and measured in strands. Men would have special tattoos on their arms to measure strands against to ensure proper payment. These strands of dentalium were stored and transported in small purses made of bone or wood.
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Dentalium Shell. Photo from Los Angeles County Natural History Museum
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Dentalium necklaces feature a variety of materials, from trade beads and coins to local materials. The glass beads on the necklaces displayed here were not made in the Americas but brought by European traders who traded the beads to the local tribes for supplies and pelts. The dark blue beads were brought by Russian fur traders who sailed the coast trading with local Native Americans. Other necklaces feature juniper seeds, pine nuts, and native shells like Abalone. Necklaces with hand carved Dentalia were praised as exceptionally valuable due to the skill required to carve the shell without breaking it.
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Dentalium also appears on various regalia used in dances, including basket caps and necklaces. When worn in dances, the dentalium shells and beads clink together, adding more music to the dances.
This display was created on March 2, 2018
2 Comments
vidmate.onl link
7/29/2023 09:25:26 am

I wanted to express my gratitude for your insightful and engaging article. Your writing is clear and easy to follow, and I appreciated the way you presented your ideas in a thoughtful and organized manner. Your analysis was both thought-provoking and well-researched, and I enjoyed the real-life examples you used to illustrate your points. Your article has provided me with a fresh perspective on the subject matter and has inspired me to think more deeply about this topic.

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buy comparative essay link
3/15/2024 03:22:15 am

The practice of measuring strands against specific tattoos on men's arms reflects the meticulous attention to detail and fairness in economic transactions. Additionally, the craftsmanship involved in creating purses from bone or wood highlights the resourcefulness and adaptability of these societies in managing their economies. Overall, this commentary provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of pre-colonial Indigenous economies and their reliance on natural resources and traditional practices. For further understanding, one might consider buy comparative essay exploring similar themes across different Indigenous cultures.

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    This page features the present and past mini-exhibits in Nealis Hall. Scroll down to see each mini exhibit.

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Clarke Historical Museum
240 E Street
​Eureka, California 95501
[email protected]
(707) 443-1947
Open Wednesday - Sunday
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday

​Open until 8:30 p.m. during Friday Night Markets
Open until 9 p.m. during Eureka Arts Alive
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