Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Cave Men only "Oooga Booga" => Topic started by: swamp monkey on March 08, 2012, 09:29:50 pm

Title: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
Post by: swamp monkey on March 08, 2012, 09:29:50 pm

I saw this in the Chicago Field Museum and immediately said to myself, "I bet I could make that!"  SO I tried.  Cutting this out was easy enough but I used thicker sheet copper so it took a bit more finesse to accomplish.  Getting clean edges was another issue.  After fussing that over I then left it out in the elements to get a weathered look.  The originals were Hopewell in origin and can be found in the Early Americas exhibit on the first floor. 

My only question is, was this a chest adornment? or something to wear over a loin cloth?  They are fairly big as adornments go.  7X5 inches.  Anyone have an idea?  It has holes that indicate it was attached by cordage. 

thanks for looking. 

Title: Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
Post by: Gus on March 09, 2012, 01:50:02 am

Pretty cool looking...

Does the original piece have holes for hanging?

-gus

Title: Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
Post by: bowtarist on March 09, 2012, 03:26:06 am

 8) dpgratz

Title: Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
Post by: swamp monkey on March 09, 2012, 10:54:54 am

Quote from: Gus on March 09, 2012, 01:50:02 am

Pretty cool looking...

Does the original piece have holes for hanging?

-gus

look closely at the outer fingers of the originals.  right where the finger constricts before joining the pad there is a hole.  curious.

Title: Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
Post by: Gus on March 09, 2012, 02:36:10 pm

I see em now.

Hmmm...

Perhaps worn as a mark of Leadership or Accomplishment within the tribe or band?
Head Man, Medicine Man or War Leader?

-gus

Title: Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
Post by: Sparrow on March 09, 2012, 04:18:58 pm

Way cool ! My guess would be chest,but I don't know nothing.  '  Frank

Title: Re: Copper bear claw adornment -Woodland period
Post by: Jude on March 19, 2012, 10:29:46 am

The wrist profile makes me think chest, just below the neck.  At first I was thinking it might be a gorget, to protect the throat, but it's too flat for that.  Nice reproduction :)