Turtle Necklace Item Number: 1590/10 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Silver necklace with six solid silver turtles suspended from rough silver link chain. Each turtle decorated with engraved sunburst and stamped with maker's mark in cartouche.
History Of Use
Initially, the main sources of silver were British, French, and Spanish coins. Most ornaments were produced by silversmiths of European origin in North America and Europe. By the mid-18th century silver objects were produced in New England, Quebec and Montreal. Silver ornaments continue to be produced by native silversmiths in Central Canada and the USA. Animal imagery is a significant part of Woodland First Nations tradition, but no documented instance has been found of the use of animal effigies in trade. The place of effigies in Woodlands culture is not known.
Iconographic Meaning
The Iroquois legend of the turtle explains that the earth was formed from a lump of mud on the turtle's back.
Cultural Context
trade; personal ornamentation; political alliance
Item History
- Made by Charles Arnoldi (Maker) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada between 1760 and 1821
- Owned by Kathleen E. Reif before September 9, 1993
- Received from Kathleen E. Reif (Donor) on September 9, 1993
What
Who
- Culture
- Eastern Woodlands
- Creator
- Charles Arnoldi (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Kathleen E. Reif
- Received from
- Kathleen E. Reif (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1760 and 1821
- Ownership Date
- before September 9, 1993
- Acquisition Date
- on September 9, 1993
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1590/0010