CORD

An umbilical cord container, most likely of Sioux workmanship.

Generally after the birth, the umbilical cord was preserved in a container lavishly decorated with beads, such as the one shown in the photograph, which was then hung over the cradle or, later on, on the belt.

The lizard-like shape was reminiscent of the reptile’s powers of survival and was associated with male children.

The turtle-shaped containers were destined for the female children, as a symbol of fertility.