Wampum

Indigenous peoples · shells · trade · Northeast

Shells became beads. Wampum beads were carved by hand from quahog clams and whelk shells found in the Atlantic Ocean. Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands shaped these shells into small, polished beads that were smooth and shiny.

Two colors mattered. Purple and white wampum beads each had special meaning. These colors came naturally from different parts of the shells, and using them together told important stories and made powerful agreements between people.

Records without paper. Before written words, Indigenous nations used wampum belts, which were patterns of beads woven together, to remember important events, treaties, and promises. Each pattern and color combination meant something different, kind of like a history book made of beads.

Super valuable currency. Wampum beads became so important that people traded them like money, and they were worth a lot. Nations would exchange wampum to settle disagreements, make peace, or show respect to each other.

Handmade with skill. Creating wampum took patience and talent because each bead had to be carefully carved and polished by hand using shells and simple tools. This made authentic wampum even more valuable and respected.