wampum

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The shells of the large, hard-shelled clam were used by the indigenous Narragansett people as wampum.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

It was also their economic nerve center, with the salmon trading for all manner of goods from feathers to copper to wampum, beads crafted from shells.

From Washington Times • Aug. 16, 2022

And some of your ingredients felt like home to me, such as the Quogue clam, then later it comes wampum, the first money.

From Salon • Dec. 12, 2021

At a museum, you learn about a treaty because the intriguing beads of a wampum belt drew you in.

From Washington Post • Nov. 18, 2020

Around his neck hung a pouch of tobacco, a long knife, and a thick chain of the prized white shell beads called wampum.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann