Mississippian shell neck ornament (gorget)

Gorget, c. 1250-1350, probably Middle Mississippian Tradition, whelk shell, 10 x 2 cm (National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, 18/853)
Speakers: Dr. David Penney, Associate Director for Museum Scholarship, Exhibitions, and Public Engagement, National Museum of the American Indian and Dr. Steven Zucker
A Seeing America video

[@cadehickson2855]

If y’all have never seen the mounds at Castalian Springs I highly recommend. Pretty much you can only drive by at most times of the years. I live nearby and see them almost everyday. Makes me proud of my native heritage

[@smarthistory-art-history]

We hope to visit one day.

[@ThomasSmith-os4zc]

The so called Mace in his left hand is a Maize Glyph. The head in his right hand is the Maize God being retrieved from Underworld. The upside down teardrop shape at his waste is a Mica Mirror associated with Ehecatle the Wind God.

[@barbarahill8845]

Wonderful information. Enjoyed very much. Again,Thanks

[@Tsumami__]

It’s interesting to see how many cultures from the pacific thru the America’s used shells similar to this. And how similar the human figure on this shell is to native art further south and southwest.

[@ThomasSmith-os4zc]

Oh, the Bilobed arrow in his hair is a Bean Glyph.

[@deathmetalpotato]

Isn't the mace he's holding coincidentally called a morning star as well? Very interesting.

[@liubeiwushijiu8168]

B. Jr. It's a ceremonial blade for severing a head

[@davidbradley6040]

The Morning Star is a specifically European mace with a multi spiked metal head.Sometimes a chainlinked mace is mistakenly called a morningstar.

[@ikkijames3060]

@@davidbradley6040 Nah

[@shonpieters9609]

That was all Cherokee territories

[@Tsumami__]

Isn’t Cherokee now a term that’s used to cover a wide group of tribes....

[@lusolad]

​@@Tsumami__no