Native American Indian artifact from the Celebrating Life collection - Sioux - Santee Necklace

Exhibit Area: Celebrating Life

Case Number: 4H

Item Number: WC8708308

Category: Necklace - Grizzly Bear Claw necklace

Region: Plains

Tribe: Sioux - Santee

Period: 1860

Materials: Grizzly bear claws (20); red wool trade cloth; white glass beads; Native tanned rawhide.

Description: This bear claw necklace would have been worn on important occasions. The only warriors who had the privilege to wear such a necklace would have been the individual who killed the bear. Using the bear claws in this manner was not only a highly decorative but it allowed for the visible transfer of power from the Grizzly Bear to its new keeper.

Condition: Very good

Dimensions: 0

Provenance:

University of Notre dame, South Bend, Indiana Lessard Collection- SD 298 Epic Fine Arts Co. - Masco Corp.