4.9 Gorgets

4.9 Gorgets

Many of these shell ornaments, often called gorgets, are rectangular or round. Both types were pierced with small holes, probably so they could hang on a thong or cord around the wearer's neck. The circular types also have a larger hole drilled through the center. A type of gorget made by the Glacial Kame people has been named "sandal-sole'' because it is shaped like the sole of a shoe or sandal. The curved contour of these gorgets shows that they were cut parallel to the long axis of shells. In some cases, these shells must have been quite large. Nearly all sandal-sole gorgets were drilled with three holes in the same relative position. The function of these holes is unknown. In a few cases, gorgets were engraved with geometric lines and, in one case, a carving of a bear with a long umbilical cord curving over its back. Catalog number: A 3750/000001.001, Image number: AL07463

Ohio History Connection

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