Wampanoag gorget

A beautiful wampum gorget with hand-tanned deerskin tie by Elizabeth James-Perry. The artist hand picks shells; she grinds and finishes them by hand to create one of-a-kind sculptural jewelry. She displays the color and contours of the shell to maximum effect. While the contours are difficult to display in a two-dimensional photograph, they are an important part of the aesthetic experience when viewed in person.

Wampum has been used by coastal tribes for thousands of years. Items made from quahog shells, commonly called wampum, are culturally significant to New England tribes and are held in great esteem within families and within tribes.

Perry continues this traditional work form as a way of honoring her connection to her ancestors, their history, their way of life, and the ocean that sustains them.

James-Perry’s gorgets are inspired by ancient slate gorgets. Click here to see an example of one.

Gorget is 1 1/4″ x 1″; deerskin is 21 1/2″ long; when tied, it will result in a choker-length necklace.

Materials: quahog shells, hand-tanned deerskin