Workshop: Dentalium Earrings with Harmony Lynxleg
November 24 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
This workshop takes place at the Manitoba Museum in the Library. No prior experience necessary!
Learn how to make your own pair of dentalium earrings in our upcoming one-day workshop with artist Harmony Lynxleg. At this workshop, you will learn the art of designing and creating your very own dentalium earrings.
During a Behind-the-Scenes artifact showcase and talk by Tashina Houle-Schlup, Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement, you will have a chance to see some of the Manitoba Museum’s collection of Indigenous ancestral belongings adorned with dentalium shells.
All materials and a light snack will be provided. Please bring your own coffee/tea, lunch, or other refreshments. You are welcome to bring along your own supplies if you prefer.
$168* for the General Public
$162.75* for Manitoba Museum Members
(Prices include tax)
About Dentalium
Before beads were introduced to Turtle Island, Indigenous people adorned their belongings with porcupine quills, fish scales, and various shells, including dentalium. Due to the long distance travelled to the West Coast to trade for dentalium, it became incredibly valuable and was often considered a form of currency in traditional Indigenous economic systems.
Women would spend several years collecting these shells until they could cover the cape of their daughter’s dress, for example. Gifting a dress or accessories adorned with dentalium to a loved one was a profound expression of respect and love. It’s truly incredible to see dentalium still being used after thousands of years by artists like Harmony Lynxleg. This is not just an art form, it’s cultural preservation.
About the Artist
Harmony Lynxleg (she/her) is a 28-year-old Anishinaabe/Cree woman born and raised in Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation. She learned the basics of beading and sewing from her mother at the age of 10, and her skills have evolved ever since. Harmony has been a powwow dancer since she was 16, and she enjoys creating pieces for her regalia and for her family. Some of her favourite creations are those she gifts to loved ones, such as ribbon skirts and shirts, earrings, moss bags, and jingle or fancy shawl dresses.
Currently residing near Anola, MB, Harmony lives on an acreage with her partner Jake, their dog George, cat Josie, and four horses: Primrose, Cisco, Cowboy, and Baagijigaazo. She spends much of her time out on the land, harvesting medicines, hunting, and horseback riding.
Harmony aspires to share her knowledge of Indigenous art and history so that others can learn and pass these skills on to future generations. She takes great pride in her heritage and the restoration of Indigenous languages and hopes all Indigenous youth can feel the same. By sharing her passion for art, she aims to help others learn and contribute to the continuation of traditions and knowledge.
For questions or more information about this workshop,
please contact Corinne at CAntoniuk@ManitobaMuseum.ca