Pewter Croix de Lorraine, Wampum Bead Necklace, Eastern Woodlands, Longhunter!

Description

Cross of Lorraine,  Handcast,  Wampum Bead Necklace, Eastern Woodlands, Longhunter!! This hand cast and polished pewter pendant and beaded necklace reproduction has historical significance. There were many missions across the western frontier and deep into the heartland of the Woodland Indian Nations. This particular cross/ necklace is in the style that the 'Black Robes' (Jesuit priests ) would carry with them in their travels and at their mission homes. This pendant is hand cast in Brtiannia Pewter from an original I have in my collection then hand polished for an "old silver" look. It measures 1 1/2" high by 1 " wide and 1/16 " thick. The necklace is composed of Czech glass beads in wampum style of purple and off white beads. The two beads close to the head and tail of the necklace are buffalo bone. The necklace is 28" total length, 14" drop from neck and is a closed loop necklace , meaning it has no clasp. This is an elegant and noteworthy symbol of the early colonial period in North America . These crosses and necklaces It identified the missionaries themselves (depending on what Order), the converts, friendly nations (to missionaries and converts and many who simply liked the symbol and wore it as adornment. This reproduction could either represent a European item or a native copy of one. Many nations were producing metalwork objects fairly early on and as copper was a known metal to many of the Northeastern nations the transition to silver, gold, iron and eventually steel was inevitable. After the 'contact era' necklaces and pendants like this cross, other religious and political medals were fairly common and were worn for many/all occasion. In fact, this necklace would be at home at many Powwows, Rendezvous and other historically minded events and could easily be worn by man or woman   Handmade with pride by myself here on the Oregon Coast. Each casting will be slightly different as it will be custom cast for you. The design and features will remain the same. Please drop by my other auctions of Native American and other historical reproductions and Thanks for Visiting.
Interesting Note: Of all the artifacts dug from the earth most treasured by our ancestors...two types tend to remain intact, weapons and jewelry. Both portable and usually worn on a person. Both of great value and bespeaking individuality. A gift of either, carefully selected towards the intended's personality will be kept, calling to memory the giver and honored in the household.