Wampum

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A wampum was made of pieces of shining shell, strung, like beads, on strips of deerskin. With some Indians white beads meant peace, and black ones war or danger. Several strings woven together formed a strip which meant peace, and black ones war or danger. Several strings woven together formed a strip which meant, “This belt preserves my word.” Wampum often served the Indian for money. When one tribe wished to send a message to another, a belt of wampum had to accompany it, or the message would not be received.

Keywords

wampum, belts

Source

Arthur C. Perry and Gertrude A. Price American History, First Book (1492-1783) (New York: American Book Company, 1913) 24

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