Bear claw necklace

Object Status:

Extant

Primary Source Reference:

Undated label

Notes:

Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809) and William Clark (1770-1838) undertook their western Expedition in 1804-1806.

This necklace, made ca.1785-1804, has 35 grizzly bear claws, strung on a rawhide thong. The most thorough (and eloquent) discussion of this artifact is Castle McLaughlin, "Awakening the Bear," at https://www.lewis-clark.org/article/3043 . McLaughlin believes this is the most important artifact of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, although its tribal affiliation is unknown. It was possibly part of the ensemble that Shoshone leader Cameahwait presented to Meriwether Lewis, which Peale mounted on a wax figure of the explorer.