Beaded Belt

Beaded Belt

Plains lazy stitch belt with 5 decorations hanging from it; small knife sheath, pouch, 2 lizard umbilical cord pouches, and conical shaped piece. Designs are geometric with seed beads and tubular glass beads. The belt is made of cloth covered hide. *See remarks
  • Object: Beaded Belt
  • Artist: -
  • Circa: -
  • Dimensions: 26.5" L
  • Culture Area: Plains
  • Cultural Group: Unspecified
  • Cultural Context: The lizard shaped beaded pieces are indicative of umbilical pouches; an artform done with a vow specifically by Plains women when babies are born, often by the grandmother or another female relative. The umbilical cord of the newborn is dried and then sewn into the pouch. Traditions vary among societies, but the pouch may then be then hung on cradleboards or blankets as a protective amulet or hung on a tree to draw spirits away from the child. Lizards or snakes, representing speed and agility are for boys, and turtles, representing long life, for girls.
  • Donor: Carla Basom
  • Catalog #: 110.058

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