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The wampum is embroidered with badges from Woodcraft and the belt has been hand decorated. Leathercrafting may be less common at Woodcraft now, but making or customising your own clothing/ costume is still quite usual.
The 'Wampum' and other items from the 1930s referencing Native American Culture shows the influence of Ernest Thompson Seton in the early 1930s. A naturalist and co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America, he deeply admired Native American culture, integrating his interpretation of it's lore, woodcraft, and philosophy into his youth programs.
How it became one of our 100 Objects
Originally we identified a handmade Wampum belonging to 'Owaissa', a leader who the Cudham Archive Room is named after, at UCL Special Collections. Then at Cudham we identified a belt and a Wampum (those on display for our 100 Objects for 100 Years Exhibition).
References
References
Woodcraft Folk UCL Special Collection YMA/WF/363
'We are of one Blood' Chrys Salt 1985
https://etsetoninstitute.org/
Where Can I find it?
On loan from Cudham Woodcraft Archives
Belt and Wampum at Glasgow exhibition
Detail on a leather belt, hand decorated
Owaissa’s belt, UCL Special Collection
Display at Four Corners, London
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