Where did this vest come from?

What materials were used to make it?

This vest came from one of the tribes of Eastern Washington. It has been part of the museum's collections since the 1930s.

The front is beaded in turquoise, and has a flower design, while the back has patterns of dentalium shells over dark-colored cloth. Beads have been an important part of American Indian cultures since ancient times, and have been used as adornment, and in trading. They have most often been made of stone, wood, or bone, but often shells were used as well. This vest is on display right now as part of our Around the World in 80 Days exhibit — come check it out!

For more information, visit:

• This artifact in the Karshner Digital Collections
• Artifact Worksheets you can use in your classroom or for homeschool
• Native American Beadwork
• History of Native American Trade Beads