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WAMPUM LEG TIES

 Wampum was used by the Native Americans to record important agreements or significant events in the form of belts.  It was also used for special pieces of decoration such as necklaces, leg ties, braclets, armbands or earrings.  Such pieces were usually used for ceremonial or special occasions.  Wampum has taken on the significants of money.  It was not used as money, but was so highly prized that it was given a special value.  The original wampum was made from the shell of the Quahog clam.  The beads were made by hand, a very labor intensive process.  By the late 1600's the Dutch introduced mat finished glass wampum to supply the growing demand for wampum.  As interaction between the native people and the Europeans increased so did the demand for wampum.  Each treaty or important speach was recorded on strands of wampum.  Glass or Trade Wampum began to replace the traditional shell wampum especially for personal items. 

 All of my wampum items are made by hand.  I loom all of my pieces on waxed linen cord or buckskin with heavy cotton thread. The end tabs and ties are made of buckskin or moose hide.  All of the designs are taken from traditional patterns.  Pieces can also be made to order.  As time and space allows I will be adding more pieces to the site.