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Crosses, brooches, pins, bracelets, rings, gorgets, and armbands are among the highly prized "trade silver" items in the 1600 and 1700s. By the early 1800s, Plains metalwork had developed, influenced by many factors. Native metalworkers fashioned rings, bracelets, hair plates, etc. by pounding...03-31-2009, 11:24 AM -
In general, a choker necklace is any necklace worn in a snug fit around the neck. Among many tribes who straight dance, the choker necklace can be divided into four main categories. I have tried to include examples from the past in each category. In some cases, a photo might show more than one style...04-06-2009, 04:57 PM
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In early times both men and women of the Omaha/Ponca had their ears pierced for the first time at a very early age, usually about 3 or 4 years old, when they could walk on their own. Ear piercing was considered a “rite of passage” and the family of the child would gift the person doing the piercing...04-08-2009, 10:57 AM
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This major element of the Hethuska dance clothes called to’-zhan-ke in Ponca, is said to be derived from the otter tail component which was attached to the Grizzly Bear Claw Necklaces and hung down the back.
Grizzly Bear Claw Necklace showing the otter tail attached - Mesquakie...04-02-2009, 12:41 PM -
According to Norman Feder,
“...grizzly claw necklaces were apparently never vary numerous within any one tribe because of the difficulty in obtaining the claws.”
(Feder & Chandler, 1961, p. 7)
Even at a time when the great plains family of the grizzly bear...03-31-2009, 02:29 PM