An Akwesasne artist making contemporary wampum belts says he thinks of strands of purple and white wampum beads as Morse code. The tubular beads made from quahog shells were used ornamentally or ceremonially, and also woven into belts as mnemonic devices recording history, traditions, laws, and diplomacy. Rohsennase, who is Kanien'kehá:ka, Bear Clan from Akwesasne, which straddles the Ontario, Quebec and New York state borders, said their tactile and simple patterns communicate important messages or invitations to other nations, or console someone in grief. Using some historic belts as a point of reference, I'm producing contemporary belts that tell stories or speak to experiences that I personally hold when I think about what is my responsibility to the land and to our people, Rohsennase said. The project features six contemporary and traditional kaión:ni or wampum belts, which Rohsennase said are meant to be handled and investigated as living documents because they contain the most precious words, values and experiences of Haudenosaunee people.
