Author Topic: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period  (Read 6238 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. 

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
"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
(:::.)    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 »
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.

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
"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
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 :)
"Not all those that wander are lost."--Tolkien
"If at first you don't succeed, get a bigger hammer."--Benoit