The Royal Alberta Museum presents the Up Close series this Friday, a virtual exhibition that presents different stories, objects and ideas from RAM’s history collections. This includes polished elk tooth pendants that are over 1,000 years old.
“[People] find these small beads [and] these small pendants, but they’re part of something much larger. It expresses something significant about the cultural values of people,” says Karen Giering, a curator at RAM and the speaker at the upcoming event.
People who attend the event can expect to gain a great deal of knowledge and information about the pendant collections, including how they were made. But audiences won’t only discover the pendant itself, but the real treasure behind it: the culture.
Giering says that she wants people to appreciate the pendants themselves and “how unique and interesting they are, but also to have a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture.”
Giering states how First Nations people first used the elk ivory pendants. Some of the oldest teeth were dated about 2,600 years ago. The elk ivory pendants are carefully shaped and polished, with holes so they could be attached to various clothing and accessories. These pendants are a truly significant part of the Indigenous heritage and identity.
“I hope [the guests] have fun learning something a little new and different,” Giering adds. “Keep an open mind. Learn about Indigenous art.”
Discover yesterday’s treasure at Elk Ivory Pendants in Alberta. It will take place virtually on May 20 from noon-1 p.m. All are welcome to attend, the event is available at no cost.
