Turtle shaped amulet, North America, 1880-1920
- Made:
- 1880-1920 in Great Plains
- maker:
- Sioux people
Amulet in form of a turtle, made of hide decorated with beading. Worn by girl children around neck to ward off illness, Sioux Indians, USA, 1880-1920
Decorated with beading, this turtle-shaped amulet made from animal hide was made to to contain an umbilical cord. Turtles are associated with women’s health and fertility in many Native American cultures. Amulets like these, traditionally made by the child's mother or grandmother, were gifted to baby girls and worn until they reached puberty to ward off illness and premature death. Boys received similar containers in the shape of lizards, linked to speed and rejuvenation.
Details
- Category:
- Ethnography and Folk Medicine
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A51675
- Measurements:
-
length 205 mm
width 90 mm
thickness 40 mm
- type:
- amulet and human remains