Bulletin of the Massachusetts Archaeological Society, Vol. 54, No. 1 ...

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BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, VOLUME 54(1),1993 3
A RARE ABORIGINAL ARTIFACT FROM MARTHA'S VINEYARD ISLAND,
WITH A LIVING FAMILY HISTORY
This is the story of a unique aboriginal
pendant from Martha's Vineyard Island and of
the family and individuals who originally owned
and wore it. As these were my direct lineal
maternal ancestors, this account has a strong
personal ingredient. Though well-documented,
our great unwritten book of oral tradition early
instilled appreciation of my native Indian heritage,
lending flavor to the interpretation.
Most archaeological assemblages in
local collections have been unearthed from the
soil in one manner or another. Some aboriginal
artifacts have found their way into local collections
as souvenirs kept by colonial families. I
am aware of very few, however, that were
passed down through generations ofdescendants
of those who made and used them originally.
This article deals with just such a case. First a
description of the artifact itself.
The artifact in question is an aboriginal
Copyright 1993 Russell H. Gardner
Russell Herbert Gardner
wooden pendant (Figure 1). Of very light
weight, it is probably tupelo, called beetlebung
on the Vineyard for its use by colonial barrelmakers
or coopers. It measures two inches (5
cm) in diameter and half an inch (1.3 cm) in
thickness, and is constructed from two separate
disks with convex surfaces cemented together
by a black colored material. This is probably
a pitch and charcoal combination with animal
fat, known to have been used by New England
Indians for waterproofing vessels, baskets and
canoes. A curious feature is a pin hole in the
rim, apparently to allow for insertion of a reed
or needle to guide a thong through the three
holes in the back of the pendant. The surfaces
are of natural wood finish with some polish.
INDIAN SAMUEL LOOK
The first person known traditionally to
have owned and worn the pendulum was a
Figure 1. Pendant, photos slightly enlarged, L: front; R: rear. Size: 5 cm diameter, 1.3 cm thick.