An Introduction for Brass Adornments

Brass Adornments

From the earliest known contact sites, brass and other copper alloys seem to be the most common metallic material used in trade. Brass came in many forms via the European traders, whether it be brass kettles, wire, or other utilitarian items, while many other brass items were introduced into Native material culture, such as rings, crucifixes/crosses, chain, bracelets, arrow points, and fishhooks. Many of these items were crudely fashioned and initially thought to have been Native made. However many of these items were again introduced to meet a demand and it is often difficult to determine the source. (i.e. arrow points, bracelets, cones, tubular beads)
We find that there had been a great deal of salvage done by period Native artisans from this introduced material.
Worn out and irreparable brass kettles or other heavier plate was fashioned into bracelets, arrow points, woodwork repairs, smoking pipes, pipe bowl liners, animal effigies, crosses, rattles, clothing decoration (i.e. tinkle cones, small appliqué, tubular beads, etc.), or anything else that was deemed necessary to the individual or community.

All of our brass adornments are reproduced from existing examples in various public and private collections throughout the world. Collection data, provenance and attribution is provided with each item. Additional information may be available on request.

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Brass Adornments
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At The Eastern Door 2007