Shell Gorget

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

Gorgets were worn as adornment by Native Americans as early as 3000 years ago. Many gorgets are of smooth stone that was ground and shaped into discs, squares, or other geometric shapes. Later ones were often made from silver or brass. Holes were drilled for string attachment. This gorget is made from a seashell. It is decorated with etched designs of cardinal crosses, fleurs de lis, the sun, and a checkerboard border. The exact date is unknown, though it most likely dates to the 18th century.

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Details

Item typePersonal Objects
Jewelry, Accessories
CreatorNative American
TopicNative American
EraEarly Indigenous and European contact, 1565–1619
Colonial settlement, 1620–1762
MaterialAnimal Product
Dimension detailsDepth: 1.25 in Width: 4.50 in Height: 4.12 in
Catalog #MH.C.061
View this item in our curatorial database →
Native American. Shell Gorget. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/mh-c-061/. Accessed on December 5, 2024.

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