Elizabeth James-Perry Hand Sculpted Wampum Disc Necklace

Elizabeth James-Perry Hand Sculpted Wampum Disc Necklace

The centerpiece of this necklace is a hand sculpted, pierced disc of wampum, created by Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry, with a cord of hand braided linen.

The artist selects her shells carefully and cuts and finishes them all in the traditional way, by hand, to preserve their attractive contours and colors. The contours are difficult to display in two-dimensional photographs, but they add a lot to the visual aesthetic when seen 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 hand selects each quahog shell for color and other qualities. She 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.

Pendant is 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Hand braided linen cord is 32 1/2 inches long, so it can be tied at any desired length.

Materials: quahog shells, hand braided linen