Shinnecock Medallion
To Use This Document
With Your Students
Date
2021
Description
Glass beads, fabric, leather. The Shinnecock Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribal community on Long Island. The region, however, is home to many other Native communities, including the New York State-recognized Unkechaugs, as well as the Montauketts, Matinecocks, and Setalcotts—all whom continue to seek recognition. Artist Tohanash Tarrant grew up on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation and comes from a long line of beadwork artists. Today, she owns Thunderbird Designs, which is based on the trading post her great grandparents opened in their front yard as a way to teach and share beadwork and culture. Beadwork is a time-consuming and meticulous art form. The gift of a beaded medallion such as this one would be bestowed upon a recipient for special occasions and worn with pride. This example incorporates the official seal of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. Designed by artist David Bunn Martine (Shinnecock, Montauk, Chiricahua Ft. Sill Apache), it depicts the history of the Shinnecock People. This item was featured in the Voices and Votes: Democracy in American Exhibition.
Type
Artifact
Region
Long Island
Era
Contemporary United States
Topic
Indigenous Peoples of North America
Repository
Source
Preservation Long Island
Rights
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