Skip to content
An Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Perspective Banner in Purple and Cream with images of a turtle, an artist, and a child reading

Contemporary Wampum Belt

Browse Modules

Home

Overview

This contemporary belt uses a city skyline to connect traditional wampum with modern Indigenous identity and urban life. 

Download Full Lesson
Compelling Question: How can traditional forms of wampum be used to represent modern identities and environments?
Social
Studies
Standards		NYS.SS.4.4: Differing levels of government in New York State
NYS.SS.7.2: Native American groups developed political, economic, and social systems
NYS.SS.11.1: Contact and exchange between diverse peoples in North America
Featured Resources
Source A: Contemporary Wampum Belt
Formative Performance Tasks
DELIBERATE:






 		Students consider: Why would an artist choose a skyline? What does this say about Indigenous presence today?
COLLABORATE:





 		Students discuss how Indigenous identity exists in both traditional and modern spaces.
PRODUCE:





 		Students design their own symbolic “modern wampum” concept representing their community or identity.
Teacher Guidance

Deliberate:

  • Ask students: What do you recognize in this design? (scaffold toward “city skyline”)
  • Follow up: Why use a traditional material to show a modern scene?
  • Briefly explain that Indigenous identity exists in both traditional and contemporary spaces.

Collaborate:

  • Students pair up and discuss:
    • What does this artwork say about Indigenous life today?
    • How does it challenge stereotypes?
  • Share responses as a class.

Produce:

  • Students design their own symbolic “belt” representing their community (school, town, identity).
  • Require 2–3 symbols and a written explanation of meaning.