Cedar and Wampum

Created by Steve Wheeler, Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi & Alnobaiwi Member

“Wampum jewelry and beads are made from the quahog or North Atlantic hard-shell clam. In indigenous cultures, strings of wampum beads were often used for storytelling, ceremonial gifts, and recording important treaties and events. Today wampum belts are still a part of our cultural and spiritual ceremonies and gatherings. 

 I like to incorporate cedar when making jewelry from the quahog shell. Cedar is a sacred plant to the Abenaki people and other Eastern Woodland Tribes.  Both eastern red cedar and white cedar were used to drive away bad spirits, feelings, or energies. To me, this makes each piece special to those that wear them in ceremony or in every day life. 

 I carve all of my beads and wampum pendants that get used to create each finished piece. Each cedar bead is first cut out using a drill press, then shaped on a bead polisher. The last step is to hand sand them and treat with mineral oil. I enjoy watching as each bead takes on it’s own shape and color. Good energy and thoughts are maintained as the beads are strung and the piece gets completed. “