Skip to main content
ProvenanceAlyse S. McDougall, San Anselmo, California; Gary Spratt, Rutherford, California
BibliographyVincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.125.
Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 125.
Culture
Kiowa
Navelstring Charm
Date1870-1875
DimensionsOverall (Not including fringe): 8 × 3 in. (20.3 × 7.6 cm)
Object numberT0327
Credit LineGift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw
Photograph by Richard Walker
Label TextPlains mothers entrusted small beaded amulets to hold their baby’s dried umbilical cord, the precious life line between mother and child. Inside the amulet, the cord’s protective qualities warded off sickness and brought good luck to the child. Amulets were either attached to the child’s cradle or clothing. Beaded lizard and snake amulets were given to boys, while girls received beaded turtles such as this one.ProvenanceAlyse S. McDougall, San Anselmo, California; Gary Spratt, Rutherford, California
BibliographyVincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.125.
Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 125.
On View
Not on view
