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Archaeologists have not found evidence of clothing at the few Protohistoric sites that have been excavated. Animal hides, especially those from the white-tailed deer, and fabrics made of plant fibers, were likely used for clothing. Clothing changed seasonally. During the hot, humid Illinois summer, Native Americans probably wore little clothing, just as we do today. As cold weather approached, they probably made new warm clothing for the cold and windy Illinois winter.
Several types of ornaments were found at a Fulton County site. They include marine shell, pearl, and copper beads; marine shell gorgets, which were probably worn as a necklace; and marine shell and copper pendants. The marine shell gorgets are particularly interesting because of their craftsmanship and symbolism. Protohistoric artisans cut out circular pieces of shell and drilled two holes along one edge through which to run a piece of cord. Sometimes they cut a circular hole in the middle of the shell. In another example, probably obtained through trade, the engraved the design of a spider was cut into the surface of the shell.
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Copper snake effigies, Norris Farms #36 site, Fulton County. |
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Copper nuggets were pounded into flat sheets and cut into different patterns.
These copper pendants appear to be reproductions of snakes. The zigzag form of the creature has a hole at the head to suspend it from a cord.
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