Archived

SKU: 180103-60

Nootka Beaded Arm Band

Mid 20th Century

Hand Crafted from Hide Leather and Glass Seed Beads with Thunderbird and Whale Motif Design

In Very Good Condition

A Nootka beaded arm band is a traditional piece of Indigenous jewelry, specifically a beaded armband (or cuff-style bracelet) associated with the Nootka people. "Nootka" is an older/historical term for the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, who are Indigenous peoples from the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. They are known for rich cultural traditions, including intricate artwork, weaving, and later beadwork influenced by trade and contact.
Beaded armbands like this often feature seed bead designs in vibrant geometric patterns, animal motifs, or storytelling elements drawn from Northwest Coast Indigenous symbolism. A notable example is a vintage c. 1970 Nootka beaded arm band decorated with a Thunderbird and Whale story motif. It measures about 2.5 inches wide and ties at around 6 inches, featuring beadwork that illustrates a legend where a monstrous whale deprives a tribe (like the Quileute, in related coastal stories) of resources until defeated—symbolizing power, nature, and cultural narratives.

Condition: Very Good

Tribe: Makah - Nootka - Quinault - Chehalis

Year Range: 1950 - 1975

Region: Pacific Northwest - and Alaska

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