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1770 to 1820 Rare Fur Trade Good Luck Cast TURTLE Amulet With Its Original Loop

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:325.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
1770 to 1820 Rare Fur Trade Good Luck Cast TURTLE Amulet With Its Original Loop
Colonial America
Rare Fur Trade “Good Luck” Turtle Amulet With Loop
c. 1770 to 1820 Colonial to Post Revolutionary War Period, North American Fur Trade “Good Luck” Raised Turtle Amulet, Cast Metal Possibly Pewter, With Original Loop, Choice Very Fine.
This rarely encountered and very special North American Fur Trade Turtle Amulet measures 2.25” wide by 2.75” tall including the intact hanging top loop. The raised Turtle shape is on a round flat plate with 3 tabs at bottom. Back side is blank with any extra metal removed to be smooth, showing a depression where the metal flowed to the front side creating the raised Turtle. Rich deep bluish-grey natural patina that appears to be pewter with a large central raise Turtle with three decorative closed loops at bottom. One small edge irregularity at 4:00 possibly being “as made”. The very first of this wonderful raised design type Turtle Amulet we have offered.
Turtles play positive roles in the folklore of many Native American tribes. In the creation myths of some East Coast tribes (such as the Iroquois and Lenape), the Great Spirit created their homeland by placing earth on the back of a giant turtle. This is why some contemporary Native Americans refer to North America by the name "Turtle Island." Turtles are a symbol of the earth in many different Native cultures. To Plains Indians, turtles are associated with long life, protection, and fertility. In some Plains tribes, a newborn girl's umbilical cord was sewn into a figure in the shape of a turtle to ensure her health and safety. In other tribes, turtles are often associate