« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period  (Read 5524 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline swamp monkey

  • Member
  • Posts: 784
Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
« on: March 08, 2012, 09:29:50 pm »
I saw this in the Chicago Field Museum and immediately said to myself, "I bet I could make that!"  SO I tried.  Cutting this out was easy enough but I used thicker sheet copper so it took a bit more finesse to accomplish.  Getting clean edges was another issue.  After fussing that over I then left it out in the elements to get a weathered look.  The originals were Hopewell in origin and can be found in the Early Americas exhibit on the first floor. 

My only question is, was this a chest adornment? or something to wear over a loin cloth?  They are fairly big as adornments go.  7X5 inches.  Anyone have an idea?  It has holes that indicate it was attached by cordage. 

thanks for looking. 
Logged

Offline Gus

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,829
  • It's Time To Make Some Shavings!
Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2012, 01:50:02 am »
Pretty cool looking...

Does the original piece have holes for hanging?

-gus
Logged
"I taught him archery everyday, and when he got good at it he throw an arrow at me."

Conroe, TX

Offline bowtarist

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,503
  • Primitive Archer Subscription Number PM103651
Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2012, 03:26:06 am »
 8) dpgratz
Logged
(:::.)    Osage music played daily. :)

Offline swamp monkey

  • Member
  • Posts: 784
Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2012, 10:54:54 am »
Quote from: Gus on March 09, 2012, 01:50:02 am
Pretty cool looking...

Does the original piece have holes for hanging?

-gus

look closely at the outer fingers of the originals.  right where the finger constricts before joining the pad there is a hole.  curious.
Logged

Offline Gus

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,829
  • It's Time To Make Some Shavings!
Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2012, 02:36:10 pm »
I see em now.

Hmmm...

Perhaps worn as a mark of Leadership or Accomplishment within the tribe or band?
Head Man, Medicine Man or War Leader?

-gus
Logged
"I taught him archery everyday, and when he got good at it he throw an arrow at me."

Conroe, TX

Offline Sparrow

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,985
  • Who shot cock robin ? I said the sparrow.
    • Dream Fish Charters
Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2012, 04:18:58 pm »
Way cool ! My guess would be chest,but I don't know nothing.  '  Frank
Logged
Frank (The Sparrow) Pataha, Washington

Offline Jude

  • Member
  • Posts: 286
  • Julian Benoit, Black River, NY & Kandahar, Afghan.
Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2012, 10:29:46 am »
The wrist profile makes me think chest, just below the neck.  At first I was thinking it might be a gorget, to protect the throat, but it's too flat for that.  Nice reproduction :)
Logged
"Not all those that wander are lost."--Tolkien
"If at first you don't succeed, get a bigger hammer."--Benoit
Pages: [1]
« previous next »