WAMPUM RECORDS OF THE OTTAWAS.
WAMPUM RECORDS OF THE OTTAWAS.
WAMPUM RECORDS OF THE OTTAWAS.
This document is nigh invaluable with respect to reclaiming material aspects of treaty relationships. The image contains images (taken from facsimile drawings) of 4 wampum belts, including both the Covenant Chain Belt and the 24 Nations Belt. Apparently Assekiknk lent these belts to Rev. George Hallen in 1852, who pencilled detailed notes on the facsimile drawings. The Covenant Chain Belt: 22 strings or strands, each containing 458 beads (10 760 beads total). "The human figures, with hands clasped indicate that a treaty is in force. The hexagonal figures doubtless symbolize national council fires." Hallen's notes included the name of Sir Wm. Johnson, the dimensions of the leathers, and the fact that there are 6 branches of beads at the beginning (192 beads total) and the number of beads in each. ; The 24 Nations Belt :12 strings, each one containing 590 beads (7080 beads total). Hallen had written "24 Nations" at two places in the margins of his drawing. He also added the name "Nixhkawzhininee" to the right of "his father" which may reveal the identity of Assekiknk's father. To the right of his name is written "the belt f 1764 was given to him." Other names are mentioned: Nawsomuchkooda who "lives in the States" and Mookoomaunish "at Weikwamikong." The author describes the image of the belt and attempts to relate it to a wampum belt of the Oka Indians which was a contract of annual presents in exchange for land. A belt marked "1786" and another marked "LIEU COL McDOUGALL COMM MCKINAC" are described as well.
In Document: Ottawas; Oka Indians; Indians of the Lakes
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Ink on paper
The author interprets the hexagonal shapes present on the Covenant Chain Belt as national council fires. He also interprets the persons holding hands as representative of treaty relations.
People: Hallen (of Orillia)! Edgar! Mr.! ; Hallen! George! Rev. ; Assekiknk (Blackbird) [with a note that this is Assekiknk's own spelling of his name] ; Pontiac ; Johnson! Wm.! Sir! ; Nishkawzhininee ; Nawsomushkooda ; Mookoomaunish / Mocomaunish (the Bad Knife); Jameson! Mrs. ; Johnson! John! Sir! Bart. [at p.54, paragraph 3]! ; McDouall! Lieut.-Col.! ; Hunter! A. F.! ; "D.B."
Date given in document.
Provenance
About This GRASAC Record
Annual Archaeological Report 1901. Being Part of Appendix to the Report of the Minister of Education Ontario. Printed by Order of the Legislative Assembly. Toronto: 1902.
Created by Research Assistant Aaron Mills during the first summer of the SSHRC Aboriginal Research Grant 2007 to 2010