Elk Tooth Bead, 15'th Century

[dirstscratcher]

This Elk tooth bead was excavated in 1998 in a major northern Ohio 14/15'th century village site. It's only one of two that I've ever seen excavated, though I know they aren't that uncommon. For size reference it's a little over 1/2", and the smaller of the two that I have seen.

 

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[newnan man]

Elk have been re introduced to Pennsylvania, and I read they are prospering. Maybe they will ease into Ohio soon?

 

[Rege-PA]

They are occasionally found here in PA on Monongahela and late Woodland sites, but far more are made of bone and do turn up more often. It was a popular pendant/bead that was frequently sewn on garments. Real Pa elk were shot out by 1870. The herd we have now is expanding and prospering with a world record soon to turn up, after 90 years the game commission opened them to hunting and this sparked the herd to multiply with good management. They are hunted on a draw permit which anyone can apply for and hope they are pulled.

 

[Kray Gelder]

Elk Ivory teeth are believed to be remnant tusks, two only, shown here "in situ".

 

[dirstscratcher]

The second one I have was excavated in a 6'th century early-late woodland site. I don't have a picture at hand to post. If I recall, in the movie "Dances With Wolves", the white captive woman wore a buckskin dress with many of these beads sewn on. I presume they were more common in the west.

 

[Saguache]

My understanding is that the "elk ivory" [which it is among only a hand full of true ivorys] was a more common man's orniment by the tribes in the western hi plains [shoshone - crow] and then became a female sacred decoration on their skirts in pre contact time. Not sure about the movie tribe affiliation being correct.
I read a piece that stated that the Shoshone tribe has a cache of them in the thousands.

https://www.pinterest.com/6052lorefaye/elk-tooth-cowrie-shell-dresses/

 

[The Grim Reaper]

I've found a lot of Drilled Teeth but I've never found an Elk Ivory, though I have seen some found here. I did however find a Cannel Coal Effigy of one on a site dated 1425 to 1575. It's on the far right in this picture. The others are Canine Tooth Effigies.

Yours is a very fine example.

 

[newnan man]

I've found a lot of Drilled Teeth but I've never found an Elk Ivory, though I have seen some found here. I did however find a Cannel Coal Effigy of one on a site dated 1425 to 1575. It's on the far right in this picture. The others are Canine Tooth Effigies.

Yours is a very fine example.

That is a great frame Grim! I always enjoy seeing it.