I heard the word wampum for the first time today. Or it is probably the first time I gave attention to the word. I don't really know. Google says wampum are tubular purple and white beads made from shells used primarily by Indigenous peoples of the Eastern Woodlands. I am pretty sure these are among prettiest beautiful beads that I have ever seen! These were used for ornamental, ceremonial, diplomatic and commercial purposes. Belts made of wampum were used to mark agreements between peoples. And these ornaments are said to have a history of 4500 years. That's a long history. How many agreements may have been marked by exchanging wampum belts? Must have been many. The making and breaking of promises! Although it sounds like an age-old tradition, we still exchange things when we come to agreements. Aren't we? My thoughts immediately jump to weddings rings. How relevant! I have often thought about the purpose of exchangin...
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