Date: 1200-1700 (Oneota)

 

Description: This beaded twine necklace likely comes from the Oneota culture, specifically after they had some kind of contact with Europeans in this area. We can tell by the fact that this necklace is beaded. Native Americans could make their own beads with shells, bone, or stone, but beaded objects became more common in the post-contact period when Europeans traded beads made of fine glass and precious stones to the tribes. At the time, these materials could only be manufactured in Europe. The twine of this necklace is from some kind of natural fiber. Twine and thread could be made from a wide variety of natural fibers, including bison hide or fur, cornstalks, or any strong fiber from wild and domesticated plants. Beaded items were worn by men and women alike. Farther into the post-contact period, beading adornments became very elaborate with complex and beautiful designs. This is part of the Homer Anderson collection, from Anthon, IA, where many of our best examples of Native American artifacts come from.

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Donor: Cindy Owen