[Necklace] The Mesquakie place a high value on bear-claw necklaces. They are signs of bravery and consequently, stature. Mesquakie necklaces were prized by various Plains and Prairie groups because of the skill with which they were made.

Typically, large, decorative glass beads connected the individual bear claws. An ornamented otter-pelt trailer hung from the back. This necklace's trailer is decorated with glass seed beads and silk ribbon.

Courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian
Bear-Claw Necklace, Mesquakie peoples, central plains states, about A.D. 1860, grizzly bear claws, otter pelt, glass beads, and ribbon

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