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Bear Claw Necklace - USA
This necklace may have come from the Pawnee tribe of the Central Plains in the USA.
Twenty-four claws are on the necklace with white glass beads. The pouch in the necklace is probably that of an otter, symbolizing strength both on land and in the water. These necklaces are worn by Pawnee Otoe and Omaha men as an emblem of their honor and status as chiefs.
In Pawnee culture, bears, grizzly bears in particular, are associated with strength and the supernatural power of healing.
REGION: Most likely Pawnee or Cherokee, Central Plains (central Kansas to Nebraska), USA
MATERIAL: Bear claws, glass beads, fur, fabric, metal rattles
PERIOD: 1830-1840
DIAMETER: 24 cm
(Plinth)
Inventory no.: AM018
Ref: NRSORMIVHA