Amulet in the shape of a turtle, 1871-1900

Leather amulet with bead decoration, possibly, turtle or lizard form,contains umbilical cord, Sioux people, Plains Indian, North America, late 19th century

Made from leather and decorated with beads and porcupine quills, this turtle-shaped amulet is thought to contain an umbilical cord. The amulet was worn by girls until they reached puberty to ward off illness. In many Native American belief systems, turtles were thought to look after women's diseases. It was possibly made by the Sioux people of the Great Plains, in North America.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A230279
Materials:
leather, trim, glass and trim, porcupine quill
type:
amulet and human remains
credit:
Wellcome Trust