HORN PURSES
Elkhorn Purses and Dentalia Shell Money
These elkhorn purses were used by Hupa men to store their ornately carved dentalia shell money. Dentalia was carved into small, elaborate beads (seen to left) with tufts of wild canary or morning bird feathers affixed. Some shells had snakeskin attached. The more finely worked the shell, the more it was worth. Dentalia shells were a widely used trade item among the Hupa and their neighbors, and were frequently incorporated into ceremonial regalia.