Amulet

Collezione Missioni Cattoliche Americane 1893

XIX - 1851

C.A.454

Nord Dakota (U.S.A.)

Tanned cervid leather, vegetable fibre, glass count (covered stitch embroidery)

Contenere il cordone ombelicale del neonato per la sua protezione durante la vita. Appeso alla culla e successivamente fissato all'abito, accompagnava il proprietario fino alla morte. Subito dopo la nascita.

Indiani d'America: Fiori e vita dalle collezioni del Museo etnografico Castello D'Albertis - Genova/ Museo d'arte orientale E.Chiossone

Tortoise-shaped container with the upper surface covered with glass beads in blue, light blue and red, arranged in such a way as to draw the carapace. At the extremities of the limbs and tail are pairs of metal cones with tufts of animal fibre (horsehair?) dyed green inside. a textile ribbon under the turtle's head was used to hang it. Hung to the cradle and then attached to clothing. It accompanied the owner until death. A tanned deer skin was used. The skin was cut in the shape of a lizard for males or a turtle for females. The lower and upper parts were sewn together at the edges, and the upper surface was covered with porcupine quills. In a later period, as a result of contact and subsequent trade with Europeans, the quills were replaced by polychrome glass or porcelain tapers.