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Shell Gorget

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Gorgets were worn as items of personal adornment by Native Americans as early as 3000 years ago. Many gorgets are of smooth stone that is ground and shaped into discs, squares, or other geometric shapes. Later gorgets are often made from silver. Holes are drilled for string attachment. This gorget is made out a marine shell. It is decorated with etched designs of cardinal crosses, fleurs de lys, the sun and a checkerboard border. The exact date of this gorget is unknown, though it most likely dates to the 18th century.

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