Wampum, shell beads from the Atlantic coast of North America, are of central importance to the functioning of Native American societies in the north-east of this region. Originally used as an ornament or symbol of prestige, this material came to have a range of other functions in the 17thand 18th centuries, within the context of relations betweenthe indigenous nations and European colonies who settledin this vast territory, spanning from the south of currentQuebec to the present-day state of South Carolina. Throughthe ways they were used, wampum represent a chapterof Native American, North-American and European history.They also provide a valuable point of entry to understandingthe societies that were formed during the era of New France(1600-1763), through the exchanges, alliances and clashesbetween the Native Americans, French and English.

Through some fifty pieces, the exhibitions shines a lighton all aspects of wampum: a coveted raw material, made intobeads and other objects like diplomatic belts, a tool for oralhistories, a trade resource, a sign of power and prestige,and a religious object. And today, wampum still playsa fundamental role among Native American nations,particularly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), the Huron-Wendatand the Abenaki.