//
For internal use only
Not On Display
Gorget (Brooch)
Wabanaki, Passamaquoddy Tribe
1790-1815
Description
This smooth silver circle is pierced with a large hole in the center and the surface is ornamented with delicate wrigglework engraving organized with cardinal directions and bordered segments. It once had a bar pin mounted on the underside so it could be worn on clothing more easily than by pushing a loop of cloth through the center and securing it with a pin. Such use for adornment is well documented among Native American women in the Northeast and in Canada. Although this brooch has no marks indicating a maker, scratched in script on the underside and only partially legible is the following: "Nyohan Salmon helia (?) / SAVMORE FRANCY/ PASMO QUADDY".
Category
Metals
Creator/Artist/Maker
Wabanaki (Probable maker)
Place of Origin
Maine or Quebec; United States or Canada; North America
Materials
- Silver
Museum Object Number
1956.0054
Credit Line/Donor
Museum purchase
Share Object
Complete Details
Object Number
1956.0054
Object Name
Gorget (Brooch)
Category
Metals
Creator (Role)
Wabanaki (Probable maker); Passamaquoddy Tribe (Probable maker)
Place of Origin
Maine or Quebec; United States or Canada; North America
Origin Notes
Origin may be Maine or Canada. Decoration appears to be made by a Native American artist of the Passamaquoddy culture, part of the Wabanaki Confederacy.
Previously thought to be made and decorated by a Native American or a EuroAmerican silversmith.
Date
1790-1815
Mark/Signature/Inscription/Label
Type: Inscription
Location: Reverse
Inscription: "Nyohan Salmon helia [?]" scratched
Type: Inscription
Location: Reverse
Inscription: "SAVMORE FRANCY/PASMO QUADDY" scratched
Mark/Signature: No
Subject(s)
- Native American
- Indigenous peoples
Materials
- Silver
Techniques
- Wrought
- Chased
Dimensions (inches)
4.75 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
12.07 (Diam)