WAMPUM RECORDS OF THE OTTAWAS.

WAMPUM RECORDS OF THE OTTAWAS.

WAMPUM RECORDS OF THE OTTAWAS.

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Introduction

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.

Nation of Maker: None
Nation of Origin

In Document: Ottawas; Oka Indians; Indians of the Lakes

Date Made or Date Range: 1902
Techniques or Format

Ink on paper

Additional Context

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.

Description of Writing/Text

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."

Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

Date given in document.

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 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.
Date Relative was First Removed or Collected from its Community Context: 0
GKS Reference Number: 666
How to Cite this Item

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.

Record Creation Context

Created by Research Assistant Aaron Mills during the first summer of the SSHRC Aboriginal Research Grant 2007 to 2010

Approximate Place of Origin

43.3, -78.1