Charm/talisman

Name (French): amulette, talisman
Name (Innu): kaputshesht / katapishkakanit
Date Collected: 1931
Institutions: University of Pennsylvania Museum
Catalog Number: 31-7-37
Place Made: Labrador
Maker:
Collector: Frank G. Speck

Description:

Otter hunting charm with leather string. Made of caribou hide, otter (lip), and beads. Beaded triangular design and beaded fringe with looped ends. The charm was worn around the neck by a hunter to bring luck in capturing otters. Speck recorded the Naskapi name for the charm as “wewelcipwelcwa’gen.”

References:

For a discussion of hunting charms, refer to Speck, Naskapi(1935/1977:214, 232-239; refer to “wewe’ lcipé lcwagen” in glossary, page 251.

Other Info:

need to verify Innu word for this.