Beads (Wampum)
In many Indigenous cultures of North America, beads—especiallywampummade from quahog shells—were used as both money and memory. These beads were strung into belts that recorded treaties, stories, and tribal agreements. Colonists also adopted wampum as a form of payment, especially in regions with little coinage.
Wampum belts were more than just pretty trinkets—they were binding legal records and units of exchange. Their production required careful craftsmanship and time, which added to their value. Unlike today’s contracts, these colorful belts were often far more beautiful—and much harder to misplace than a printed receipt.
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