What is Dentalium?

The dentalium shell is a tooth/tusk shaped shell from the mollusk family of dentaliidae. The First Nations tribes of the North American Pacific Coast harvested them for traditional use.

The first dentalium trade is estimated to be around 1000 and 1 BCE. It eventually evolved into a form of currency as trading expanded.

The Lakota and Dakota tribes of the North American Plains have used dentalium extensively throughout history, adorning capes and creating elaborate accoutrements. Dentalium jewelry continues to be highly valued and used as a symbol of status and wealth.

Modern dentalium is white in color and is commonly harvested in Asia whereas naturally grown dentalium is rare with its unique ivory color and distinct ridges.

I use both vintage and modern dentalium in my collections. My vintage dentalium was harvested in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970’s and was gifted to me by my mother. They are paired with simple bead accents to bring out the natural beauty of the shell. I also love working with modern dentalium because it is versatile and comes in a variety of lengths and finishes.

Due to the rise in popularity of indigenous made jewelry, dentalium is harder to source and current prices reflect those challenges.

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Dentalium shells are delicate and will break or crack if not stored and cared for properly. Please refer to the jewelry care section below or the FAQ page for care instructions.

Dentalium Shells & My Work

Other Materials:

I use rare, vintage beads and unique accents to keep each piece special. I take pride in using traditional materials and techniques that have been passed on to me. Those materials include:

  • Quillwork - Dyed porcupine quills strung, wrapped, woven or embroidered on hide.

  • Parfleche/Rawhide - Untanned elk, deer, or buffalo hide that has been dried and scraped under tension.

  • Smoke Tanned Hide - A traditional tanning practice in which a hide is stretched on a wooden frame over hot coal. The finished hide is brown in color and emits a pleasant aroma of “smoke”.

  • Brain Tanned Hide - A traditional tanning practice by using the cooked brain of animal to create an emollient to alter the protein structure and soften the hide under the sun. The finished hide is ivory in color.

Jewelry Care

Creating each piece takes considerable time and care.

With the exception of the wire, metal accents and findings the materials used in the construction of your piece are organic. Hang or store your piece flat and away from other jewelry as to not snag the porcupine quills or crack the dentalium shells. Rawhide will warp and hide tassel fringes will stiffen if wet. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Take caution when wearing your pieces in harsh weather.

My work is wearable art therefore, I package each item carefully to uphold the integrity of the work as well as protect the materials.

I do not repair pieces that have been damaged due to improper storage and care.