March into Spring Break with family-friendly activities for all ages at the Museum. Info & Tickets

Dismiss notification
Image 040820 Wampum Belt Gallery Mar Gallery 3 020

Wampum beads — purple and white beads made from seashells or (later) glass — were woven into patterns on belts to commemorate agreements between different communities of Native Americans and Europeans. Native American nations, such as the Oneida Nation, would design these belts to document what they discussed with others.
This craft activity, developed in consultation with Native American advisors, will help you learn some wampum vocabulary while coloring in your own symbols and messages.

Wampum Belt Craft

Materials Needed

  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Markers crayons, or Colored Pencils
  • PDF instruction and template (see below)

Directions

  1. Color the beads to design a Wampum belt using typical symbols.
  2. Cut the strips apart and tape them together for a longer belt.

 Share your wampum belts with us @amrevmuseum on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

The wampum belt craft was originally released as part of the Museum's Virtual Spring Break programming, sponsored by PECO, which ran online in April 2020, featuring do-at-home crafts and activities, virtual story time, Artisan Field Trip living history interviews, and live Q&As with Museum staff.

Be sure to follow the Museum (@amrevmuseum) on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for daily content and updates.

Learn More

Image 10152020 Memorialday Coloringsheet
 

Coloring Book Pages

Color the Museum's collection and more with free coloring book pages to download and print from home.
Go to Page
Tent Craft
 

At Home Crafts & Activities

Check out a selection of historically inspired crafts and activities below that families can make and do at home.
Go to Page
Image 032020 3600x2403px Ee 9833 85
 

For Kids & Families

Inspire the next generation of revolutionaries with hands-on activities, crafts, books, digital experiences, and more.
Go to Page