+ Wampum Belts

+ What are they made out of? Wampum belts are made of small, tubular beads 1/8 inches – 7/16 inches long in size. They were made out of sea shells by Coastal Indian tribes in the colors white and purple. It took time and patience to make wampum belts, and this is why they were so highly valued.

+ What were they used for? Wampum belts were used at council meetings to give authority and to serve as a record of the meetings. The colonials made counterfeit wampum and often used it in place of money. Wampum was exchanged between colonials and Native Americans at councils.

+ What does wampum represent? Wampum was used to signify: agreements, treaties, commemorations, condolences, and other special events.

+ How have they changed? After the 1700s wampum beads were often dyed red, green, and blue so the belts were more colorful.

+ Let’s talk about it What do nations use today instead of wampum belts to record agreements?

+ Let’s talk about it Many wampum belts and other sacred objects are preserved in museums. The Indian tribes and nations that created them want them back because of their sacred meanings. Do you think the people who have them now in the museums should give them back to the Native Americans?