Necklace Item Number: A1392 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Necklace of glass trade beads and three bone ornaments. The three bone pieces are carved to resemble claws or teeth of an animal (bear?). They are evenly spaced along one side, with the smallest of the three at the centre, and strung on a cord with Russian trade beads. The beads are two shades of blue.
History Of Use
This necklace is mainly made from what are commonly called Russian trade beads. In the past, dentalia shells were traded extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest (prior to European contact) and they appear in the archaeological record spanning back several millenia. Later, blue glass and other trade beads, like the ones in this necklace, became popular items of exchange with Europeans. Anthropologist Homer Barnett notes that traditionally: "body ornaments were not worn as part of everyday dress. They were expensive and so were reserved for ceremonial occasions (1955:76)."
Cultural Context
trade; ceremonial
Iconographic Meaning
According to anthropologist Homer Barnett, on the BC mainland "...it was generally believed that the bear was human or very close to human, but it was not addressed in kinship terms... Bear hunters kept as amulets a little bone found under the animals tongue and a few of the grey hairs from its occiput. Carrying these charms made bears easier to kill (Barnett 1955:106-7)." Barnett said that some Salish communities on Vancouver Island also held similar beliefs and practices.
Item History
- Made in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada before 1930
- Collected between 1920 and 1930
- Owned by Mrs. Bert Ellis before July 1973
- Received from Mrs. Bert Ellis (Donor) during July 1973
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Snuneymuxw
- Previous Owner
- Mrs. Bert Ellis
- Received from
- Mrs. Bert Ellis (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1930
- Collection Date
- between 1920 and 1930
- Ownership Date
- before July 1973
- Acquisition Date
- during July 1973
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 6
- Accession Number
- 2123/0001