Wampum Beads

Wampum beads found in trash pit or cellar at Davidsonville (Randolph County) excavation. These are thought to be the first wampum beads to be excavated scientifically in Arkansas. They were made in the eastern U.S. from quahog clam shells. Wampum was worn by Native Americans and used as currency by the Dutch and British.

Courtesy of the Arkansas Archeological Survey