For generations, Native American artistry has incorporated natural elements like elk teeth, cowrie shells, and dentillium shells to adorn traditional garments and craftwork. From historical significance to contemporary use, these materials hold a special place in Native American culture. Dancing Bear Indian Trader offers a variety of these supplies, bridging tradition with the needs of today’s craftspeople.
Elk Teeth: Emblems of Prestige and Craftsmanship
Elk teeth, often referred to as “ivories,” were historically prized possessions. In bygone eras, a dress richly embellished with elk teeth signified wealth and status. Each elk yields only two such teeth, making them rare and highly sought after for decorative purposes. Genuine elk teeth remain a ‘gold standard’ in Native American crafts, with their value appreciating over time. Finding authentic elk teeth for sale or trade is a matter of luck and timing, as many hunters, both Native and non-Native, keep these treasures for personal or familial use.
Interestingly, the concept of “imitation elk teeth” is not new. Archaeological finds have revealed examples of carved bone crafted to mimic elk teeth on antique garments and regalia, demonstrating a long-standing appreciation for this aesthetic. Today, various alternatives exist, including plastic, carved bone, and simulated elk teeth, addressing the scarcity of genuine elk teeth. At powwows, one can admire the beauty of traditional dresses adorned with both real and imitation elk teeth.
Dancing Bear Indian Trader provides a diverse selection of imitation elk teeth suitable for a wide range of craft projects. Whether for dresses, earrings, necklaces, hair ties, bandoliers, bags, or breastplates, these imitation elk teeth offer a readily available and cost-effective option for achieving the traditional look.
Cowrie Shells: From Ancient Currency to Regalia Embellishments
Cowrie shells, particularly Money Cowries, played a significant role in Native American history, even before European contact. The Money Cowrie, characterized by its yellow-ochre hue and distinctive dimpled base, was a valuable trade item. Originating from the Pacific coast, these shells were traded inland across North America by Native American traders. Their rarity and high trade value led to the moniker “Money Cowrie.” Typically, a single hole was drilled at the narrow top for easy attachment to dresses and other decorative items.
The Ring Top Cowrie, a more recent import from Southeast Asia, gained popularity in the 20th century and remains prevalent today. Distinguished by an orangish ring around the top, these shells are grayish on the upper side with cream-colored edges and undersides.
Dancing Bear Indian Trader also offers unique Cowrie Shell Sequins. Exclusively available through them, these sequins are crafted from both ring top and money cowries, revealing the rich purple interior of the shell. These rounded discs, pierced with a center hole, can be sewn onto buckskin in lines, reminiscent of white clam shell hishi, creating a stunning visual effect.
Dentillium Shells: Highly Valued Trade Goods for Adornment
Dentillium shells represent another ancient trade commodity of considerable value, traveling from the Pacific Northwest eastward into the North American interior. Among trade shells, dentillium was the most esteemed. Historically, a dress featuring a full cape of dentillium shells was considered so valuable it could be exchanged for several horses. To complement their attire, women often wore long, elaborate dentillium earrings, sometimes in multiple tiers. Dentillium chokers were also fashionable among both men and women.
On the Northern Plains, dentillium shells were frequently sewn onto dress sleeves and hems, forming various decorative patterns and motifs, in addition to their use on dresses.
The original dentillium shells, prized for their smooth, lustrous surface and golden color variations from whitish to brownish cream, are now incredibly difficult to obtain.
The ridged, white dentillium from Southeast Asia has become a more accessible alternative in recent years. These shells range in length, with premium sizes reaching up to 2 inches. While more affordable, the ridged dentillium is known for its fragility and tendency to break after being incorporated into crafts.
Recently, a smoother, stronger white dentillium, also imported from Asia, has emerged. Generally longer than the ridged variety and reasonably priced, this smooth dentillium is experiencing a resurgence in popularity for powwow dress capes. Native American women are increasingly utilizing smooth dentillium for dress capes, appreciating its aesthetic appeal and affordability.
Smooth Dentillium, sourced from India and available at Dancing Bear Indian Trader, serves as an excellent substitute for the scarce old-time dentillium. Significantly stronger than ridged dentillium and typically longer (averaging 1 1/4″ to 1 1/2″ or more), these shells are favored by traditional artisans for creating beautiful dress capes with impressive and swift results.
Dentillium Cape Making Tip: For cape construction, sort dentillium shells by length. Begin with shorter shells around the neckline and gradually increase shell length towards the outer rows, using the longest shells at the edge. Starting with longer shells at the neck can lead to unnecessary shell wastage. Employ a robust cotton thread for sewing, as the sharp edges of dentillium shells can fray thinner threads. Double mercerized crochet thread, being thick and shrink-resistant, is a recommended choice for lasting durability.
