Turtle Necklace

Initially, the main sources of silver were British, French, and Spanish coins. Most ornaments were produced by silversmiths of European origin in North America and Europe. By the mid-18th century silver objects were produced in New England, Quebec and Montreal. Silver ornaments continue to be produced by native silversmiths in Central Canada and the USA. Animal imagery is a significant part of Woodland First Nations tradition, but no documented instance has been found of the use of animal effigies in trade. The place of effigies in Woodlands culture is not known.

trade; personal ornamentation; political alliance

The Iroquois legend of the turtle explains that the earth was formed from a lump of mud on the turtle's back.

Silver necklace with six solid silver turtles suspended from rough silver link chain. Each turtle decorated with engraved sunburst and stamped with maker's mark in cartouche.