Definition

Noun: 1. Small cylindrical beads made from polished shells: A term for beads, historically made from quahog or whelk shells, which are ground, shaped, and polished. These beads are typically white or purple and are fashioned into strings or belts. 2. A form of currency or ceremonial item: Used by certain Native American peoples, particularly in the Northeastern United States, as a medium of exchange (wampum) and for ceremonial purposes, recording treaties, or as personal adornment.

Usage and Examples

• As a physical object (beads):
  • The belt was intricately woven with white and purple peag.
  • Archaeologists found strands of peag at the site.
• As a historical currency or ceremonial item:
  • Transactions were once conducted using peag.
  • The treaty was commemorated with a belt of peag.

Advanced Usage

• The term peag is synonymous with wampum and is often used in historical and anthropological contexts to describe this specific cultural artifact.
• It can be used metonymically to refer to money in a historical or literary sense, though this is less common in modern usage.

Variants and Related Words

• Wampum (noun): The more common synonym for , derived from Algonquian languages. It can refer to the beads themselves or the belts/strings made from them.
• Wampumpeag (noun): A longer, less common variant of the word.

Synonyms

• Wampum
• Shell beads
• (Historical) currency

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The physical beads made from polished shells.
• Cultural/Historical Meaning: The use of these beads as a form of money, for ceremonial exchange, or for recording significant events among some Native American peoples. It is important to use this term with an understanding of its specific cultural and historical context.

Noun

1. small cylindrical beads made from polished shells and fashioned into strings or belts; used by certain Native American peoples as jewelry or currency