thread and sinew-sewn; with salt and pepper beadwork in cream, purple, red, and yellow quillwork; framed with the following caption:

Among the Plains Indians many groups shared a legend in which the first human life was carried safely through the water-covered world on the back of a turtle, upon which the dry land mass was subsequently created. Because of this, the turtle shares a close relationship with "Mother Earth." It was thought to exercise protection against the dangers of childbearing and of infancy and was a common protective amulet.

When a baby's umbilical cord fell off, the mother would sew it into a small buckskin bag, often shaped like a turtle. This bag was attached to the baby's cradle as its first toy, and later was worn around the child's neck or tied to his clothing as a charm to ensure a long life.

This fetish, with its beautiful combination of quill and beadwork, and its unusually large size, makes it an exceptional example.

length 7 inches x diameter 5 inches; framed 18 x 11 inches

Ex Folger's Collection