Wampum

Definition

Wampum refers to beads made from polished shells, traditionally used by Native American tribes, especially the Cherokee and Creek, as a form of currency and a medium for recording important events and treaties. These beads held significant cultural importance, serving not only as trade items but also as symbols of status and communication in diplomatic relations between tribes and European settlers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wampum was not only used as currency but also played a vital role in ceremonial contexts, often given as gifts during peace negotiations or significant events.
2. The color of the wampum beads held meaning; white beads symbolized purity and peace, while purple or dark beads were associated with war or mourning.
3. European colonizers began to adopt wampum for their trade practices, leading to its increased use as currency in colonial economies.
4. The decline of wampum's significance as currency was largely due to the introduction of metal coins by European settlers, which eventually overshadowed traditional trade practices.
5. In addition to trade, wampum belts were crafted to commemorate treaties and agreements, acting as visual records that conveyed the narrative of relations between tribes.

Review Questions

• How did wampum serve as a tool for diplomacy among Native American tribes and European settlers?
  • Wampum served as a vital diplomatic tool by acting as both currency and a symbolic medium to record treaties and agreements. When Native American tribes interacted with European settlers, they used wampum to establish trust and signify their intentions during negotiations. Wampum belts often depicted significant events or treaties, creating a visual representation of the agreement that could be referred to in future discussions.
• Analyze the impact of wampum on trade relationships between Cherokee and Creek societies and their interactions with Europeans.
  • Wampum significantly influenced trade relationships between Cherokee and Creek societies by facilitating exchanges not only of goods but also of cultural practices. As both tribes began using wampum in their commerce with European settlers, it became a common currency that bridged economic gaps. The demand for wampum grew among Europeans, leading to its widespread use in trading contexts while altering traditional economic practices within these Native societies.
• Evaluate how the decline of wampum's use as currency reflected broader changes in Native American economies after European contact.
  • The decline of wampum's use as currency illustrates the profound transformations in Native American economies following European contact. As metal coins became more prevalent due to European influence, traditional forms of trade like wampum began to diminish. This shift represented a larger trend where Native American societies had to adapt their economic structures to accommodate European systems, ultimately leading to a loss of autonomy over their trade practices and further entrenchment into colonial economies.

Related terms

Shell money: A form of currency made from shells that was used by various Native American tribes, similar to wampum, in trade and commerce.

Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states or entities, often involving the exchange of land or rights, which could be recorded using wampum.

Cultural exchange: The process through which different cultures share ideas, customs, and goods, which significantly influenced the interactions between Native American tribes and European settlers.