DENTALIUM SHELLS UNSELECTED

These hard to get shells were highly prized by the Indians. Plains Tribes valued these for their decorative uses. The Northwest Tribes used these shells as a money exchange. Among the Sioux (and other Plains Tribes) they were used by the women to decorate the yokes on their dresses. The men used dentalium for their chokers, earrings, necklaces and other decorations. Fluted-type with ridges running lengthwise.