Skip to main content
User

Turtle Shaped Navel Amulet or Umbilical Fetish

Turtle Shaped Navel Amulet or Umbilical FetishTurtle Shaped Navel Amulet or Umbilical Fetish

Hammer Price w/ BP

$1,440

Lot #: 343
Turtle Shaped Navel Amulet or Umbilical Fetish
Late 19th century. Catalog Note: Plains mothers greased their newborn's skin and powdered it with finely ground dried buffalo manure, decayed cottonwood, or the ripe dry spores of the star puffball fungus. Puffballs were especially favored for the drying of the umbilical cord. When the cord fell off, the mother would sew it into an amulet shaped like a lizard for boys and a turtle for girls. The fetish was then attached to the baby's cradle as the child's first toy. Later it would be worn around the child's neck or attached to his or her clothing, It was to be kept for a lifetime as a means of ensuring a long life.
Max L. 7 in.
Provenance
A Private Boston, Massachusetts collection.
Auction Date
May 31, 2024

Do you have a similar item? Have it appraised or consign with us.

Shipping Information:

Unlike many auction companies, Cottone Auctions offers a full-service shipping department. We’re equipped to pack and safely ship just about any item to just about any location around the globe.
Learn more >

Share

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies. Ok, I agree