Ojibwa Beaded Necklace with Teeth

A Northern Plains necklace strung with glass beads, two hairpipe bone beads and large mammal teeth, probably horse by comparison with documented museum examples, though elk or bison have also been suggested. Many tribes used the teeth of large mammals as amuletic elements believed to convey power or protection, and also as markers of rank and standing as a warrior or hunter. After European contact, glass trade beads were combined with traditional materials in regalia of this kind. The attribution to the Ojibwa is given as probable rather than certain.