August 7 - September 6, 2024

This wampum exhibit, curated and assembled by Native artists and educators, tells a story of Wampanoag resilience–Wampanoag art, culture, stories, and ideas are here to stay. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a magnificent new wampum belt, through which Wampanoag artists of today share their stories and creative aspirations.​

Made from the purple and white shells of the whelk and quahog, wampum beads embody the Wampanoag connection to the sea and to life itself. Each wampum bead is imbued with memory and meaning by the maker, and the belt, held together by soft, yet durable brain-tanned lace warps, has developed into a remarkable tapestry of art, community, and tribal history. 

Julia Marden and Jason Widdiss, both members of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, led the belt weaving and bead making efforts, respectively. Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, an artist and cultural steward of the Nipmuc Nation, led the traditional brain tanning process. A truly communal effort, many other Wampanoag artists and tribal members contributed beads to this wampum belt and helped to complete it.

July 3 - July 27, 2024

An extraordinary collection of four wampum belts by Julia Marden offers a profound visual journey into the heart of Wampanoag culture and history. Each belt is meticulously crafted using traditional weaving techniques, embodying stories of resilience, tradition, and community.

The four belts, entitled "The Ancient Ones," "The Home Site," "War/Plague/Slavery," and "Powwow Time" respectively, weave a comprehensive story of a people deeply connected to our past, persistently navigating the present, and looking forward with hope to the future. This exhibit invites viewers to engage with the Wampanoag experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural tapestry that shapes our enduring Wampanoag legacy.

July 3 - July 27, 2024

Julia Marden's Twined Turkey Feather Mantle represents a monumental achievement in Wampanoag craftsmanship, being the first mantle of its kind twined in 400 years. The mantle's debut in Aquinnah marks a revival of ancestral artistry.

This exquisite piece would have historically been worn by people of high status within the Wampanoag community. It measures four by six feet and took an entire year to meticulously weave, using a close-twined technique to embed turkey feathers into the tapestry of the mantle. Marden has dubbed this mantle her “coup de grâce,” stating that it is likely the most important piece that she creates.

In line with tradition and embracing modern community values, Marden has invited tribal members to wear the mantle, fostering a sense of pride and continuity in cultural identity. This piece not only showcases remarkable artisanship but also serves as a wearable symbol of heritage and high esteem. 

Photography: Static Motion Production, 2023

Video: NaDaizja “River Moon” Aiguier-Bolling and Tysonnae Ôs8uchâaushq Aiguier-Bolling, with Static Motion Production, 2023