Wampum Whale Tail Necklace Elizabeth James-Perry Wampanoag
$330.00
Wampum Whale Tail Necklace Elizabeth James-Perry Wampanoag
A whale tail, or fluke, hand carved from wampum by Wamapnoag artist and historian Elizabeth James-Perry. The tail features beautiful contrast from deep purple on one side to a much lighter shell on the other side; it hangs from synthetic sinew and has two round discs as adornment. 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 1 3/4 inches wide x 1 inch high.
The sinew cord is 19 1/2 inches long; it includes a copper clasp.
Out of stock
Wampum Whale Tail Necklace Elizabeth James-Perry Wampanoag
A whale tail, or fluke, hand carved from wampum by Wamapnoag artist and historian Elizabeth James-Perry. The tail features beautiful contrast from deep purple on one side to a much lighter shell on the other side; it hangs from synthetic sinew and has two round discs as adornment. 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 1 3/4 inches wide x 1 inch high.
The sinew cord is 19 1/2 inches long; it includes a copper clasp.
| Weight | 1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8 × 6 × 4 in |
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