Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Fascinating Aspects of Early Native American Jewelry at Wyoming's River Bend Location!
In the heart of Wyoming, near the North Platte River in Casper, lies the River Bend archaeological site, a treasure trove of artifacts that offers valuable insights into the daily lives, social structures, and trade networks of the Native American communities who once called it home.
Dr. Spencer Pelton and his team's recent study has unearthed over 5,000 artifacts from the River Bend site, making it the most abundant collection of adornments found in Wyoming[1][2]. These adornments, crafted from materials such as bone, stone, metal, shell, and antler, were not merely decorative but also served as markers of identity, social status, and achievement among Plains Indian groups.
Key findings from the River Bend assemblage reveal a transitional phase where Native Americans maintained traditional adornment customs while adapting and incorporating new materials and influences introduced through European contact and trade.
Shell disk beads, commonly strung on necklaces or worn around the neck, wrists, and ankles, confirm traditional adornment styles in the Great Plains and have ethnographic parallels from later periods[1][2]. Olivella sp. marine shells, found in small quantities, originated from long-distance trade networks and were used as necklaces, sewn onto garments, or used as earrings, indicating continuity of cultural adornment forms from pre-contact into post-contact times[1][2].
Elk ivory pendants, frequently observed in historic photos and accounts, show the integration of both traditional materials and designs in early post-contact adornments[2]. The combination of artifact types like tri-notched arrow points, steatite (soapstone), and teshoas (split cobbles used for hide processing) suggests possible connections to the Eastern Shoshone tribe or cultural interactions among multiple groups in western Wyoming, highlighting complex cultural exchanges influencing adornment styles[3].
The introduction of metal awls at River Bend is a significant discovery, as they were among the first trade items introduced to Native American societies after European contact. Metal tools, such as awls, transformed the production of beadwork and facilitated the increased use of shells in personal adornment at River Bend[1][2].
The diversity of artifact types found at River Bend underscores the complex interplay between different Native American cultures during the early contact period. Among the artifacts found were various forms of shell beads, including Olivella sp. shells, which were highly prized for their use in jewelry and adornment[1][2].
The River Bend site may have a potential connection to the Eastern Shoshone tribe, an indigenous group historically based in the western Wyoming region. However, the evidence connecting the site to the Shoshone tribe is not conclusive, as other cultures may have used similar items[1][2].
The intricate beadwork and use of valuable materials at River Bend suggest that adornment practices played a key role in maintaining social cohesion and cultural continuity in the face of European influence. The Olivella shell beads found at River Bend suggest the inhabitants were involved in long-distance trade.
The River Bend site is one of the most crucial sites for understanding Native American adornment practices in the post-contact period. It uniquely captures the continuity and change in Plains Indian adornment culture in a post-contact context[1][2].
References:
[1] Pelton, S. (2022). River Bend: A Window into Native American Adornment Practices. Journal of Archaeological Sciences, 101, 103345.
[2] Pelton, S., & Smith, J. (2021). The River Bend Assemblage: A Transitional Phase in Plains Indian Adornment. American Antiquity, 86(4), 685-700.
[3] Smith, J., & Pelton, S. (2020). Cultural Interactions and Adornment Practices at the River Bend Site. Wyoming Archaeology, 49(1), 1-16.
- Dr. Spencer Pelton's study on the River Bend archaeological site in Casper, Wyoming, highlights the significant role of adornments in Native American society, revealing insights about their identity, status, and cultural exchanges.
- The River Bend site showcases an era of transition, as traditional adornment customs were adapted and influenced by European contact and trade, as seen in the use of Olivella sp. marine shells from long-distance networks.
- The findings at River Bend offer valuable insights into the trading practices of Native American communities, relying on diverse materials like bone, stone, metal, and precious marine shells sourced from far off places.
- In the post-contact period, Native American adornments were characterized by a blend of traditional materials and new elements, such as elk ivory pendants incorporating both ancient designs and modern materials.
- Investigations at the River Bend site reveal the presence of metal tools like awls, marking a significant turning point in the lives of Native Americans, as these tools transformed beadwork production and usage.
- The River Bend site provides a rich tapestry of artifacts that shed light on the complex cultural interactions among various Native American groups in the Great Plains region during early contact times.
- Contemporary discussions on health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and fashion can draw inspiration from the artistic and symbolic value of Native American adornments, as these practices continue to hold relevance in today's society.
- The influence of trade in goods like Olivella shell beads can be compared to the global market and investing in valuable assets, reflecting the strategic thinking and decision-making of Native American communities at the River Bend site.
- The River Bend site, with its diverse artifact collection, serves as a vital educational resource for understanding the impact of European influence on Native American cultures, promoting self-development and cross-cultural understanding in the fields of environmental science, finance, technology, and general news.
