In the Pacific Northwest, dentalia shells were only available from the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island. They were an indicator of wealth and were highly prized. Dentalia shells were used as decorative elements on clothing accessories and for personal adornment. The wawáq’aqt or choker is from the Rydryck Collection, combines dentalia shells, blue glass beads and brass beads sewn onto a single piece of leather with buckskin ties. The bracelet on the left is from the Spalding-Allen Collection combines dentalia shells, black pony beads and leather spacers with buckskin ties. It is assembled with sinew.

Choker Plateau c 1875-1900 Shell (Dentalium pretosium), glass beads, sinew, brass beads. L 33 cm. Nez Perce National Historical Park, NEPE 2194

Bracelet 1830s Shell (Dentalium pretosium), glass beads, leather. L 26 cm.