Necklace Item Number: A1392 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Necklace consisting of bone and glass beads. The bone is carved to resemble three claws or the teeth of animal (bear); strung together with Russian trade beads which are two shades of blue.
History Of Use
This necklace is made from 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. More recently 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
On the mainland, "it was generally believed that the bear was human or very close to human, but it was not addressed in kinship terms. It was supposed to recieve substenance during hibernation by licking its paws. 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)." According to anthropologist Homer Barnett, some Coast Salish communities on the Island also held similar beliefs and practices.
Item History
- Made in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
- 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
- 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