Wampum, tubular shell beads from the Atlantic coast, are deeply embedded in Native American societies from Northeastern North America. Originally used as an ornament or symbol of prestige, shell beads came to have a range of other functions in the 17th and 18th centuries, within the context of relations between Indigenous nations and European colonies who settled in this vast territory, spanning from the south of current Quebec to the present-day state of South Carolina. Through the ways it was used, wampum represents a meaningful chapter of Native American, North-American and European history. It also provides a valuable point of entry to understand the societies that evolved at the time of New France (1600-1763), through exchanges, alliances and confrontations between Native Americans, French and English.

Through some fifty pieces, the exhibition sheds a light on all aspects of wampum: a coveted raw material, made into beads and other objects like diplomatic belts, bearer of oral histories, trade resource, sign of power and prestige, and votive object. Today, wampum still plays a fundamental role among Native American nations, notably the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), the Huron-Wendat and the Abenaki.

This exhibition will be presented at the Seneca Art & Culture Center (Victor, New York State) from March 26th to September 17th 2023, and at the McCord Museum (Montreal, Quebec) from October 20th 2023 to March 3rd 2024.

tools for the visit

Tools for your visit are available to download: