Traditional Materials
Wishham girl, profile
Northwestern University Library, "The North American Indian": the Photographic Images, 2001.
DeNtalium Shell / Dentalia Jewelry
Known as tusk shell, Dentalia are traditionally used in Native American jewelry and adornment. The indigenous people of Western Canada and North America harvested Dentalium shells in the deep Pacific Ocean and used them for trade.
Shells are sewn into clothing, strung up as necklaces and other ceremonial adornments, and were used as a form of currency as well.
Tagua
Also known as Vegetable Ivory, Tagua comes from the nut of the Palm tree.
Tagua is naturally ivory and brown in color but is often found dyed in a variety of brilliant colors. It is easily carved and a traditional material used in a myriad of ways in Central and South America