Shell gorget

Craig style shell gorget Spiro Raccoon dancers HRoe 2012

Shell gorget refers to a type of personal adornment made from marine shell, primarily used by the indigenous peoples of the Eastern Woodlands of North America, including those of the Mississippian culture, which flourished from around 800 CE to 1600 CE. These ornate items were typically carved from the hard shell of large marine mollusks, such as the lightning whelk (Busycon perversum pulleyi), and were often worn around the neck as part of ceremonial attire or as symbols of status and authority.

Design and Symbolism

The designs carved onto shell gorgets are diverse, reflecting the rich cultural narratives and cosmological beliefs of the societies that created them. Common motifs include the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex (SECC) iconography, such as the Birdman, a figure that may represent a shaman or a warrior in a bird costume, symbolizing a connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. Other prevalent designs include the sun circles, which are emblematic of the sun's importance in Mississippian cosmology, and the cross-in-circle motif, which may symbolize the four cardinal directions and their associated elements and deities.

Manufacture and Use

Creating a shell gorget was a labor-intensive process that required skilled craftsmanship. The maker would first select a suitable shell, often trading for it if the species was not locally available. The shell would then be cut into a disc shape, polished, and finally, the intricate designs would be carved onto its surface. The finished gorget would be drilled with one or more holes for suspension, allowing it to be worn around the neck with a cord.

Shell gorgets were not merely decorative; they played significant roles in the social and ceremonial life of the communities. They were often associated with elite individuals and may have been used to signify rank, achievements, or membership in religious or societal groups. In some cases, they were placed in burials as grave goods, indicating the high status of the deceased or serving as protective amulets for the afterlife.

Archaeological Significance

Shell gorgets are valuable artifacts for archaeologists studying the Mississippian and other pre-Columbian cultures of the Eastern Woodlands. They provide insights into the trade networks that existed between different regions, as the marine shells used to make them often originated from the Gulf of Mexico, far from the inland locations where the gorgets were found. Additionally, the motifs carved on the gorgets are key to understanding the religious beliefs, societal structures, and interregional interactions of these ancient peoples.

Preservation and Display

Today, shell gorgets are preserved in museums and collections around the world, where they are studied by researchers and admired by the public. They are considered important cultural artifacts that connect present-day people with the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples of North America.