The Making of the Wampum Belt

The creation of a new Wampum Belt by the Native American Wampanoag Nation is one of the cornerstones of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's sailing, and it is told in this powerful new short film.

Four hundred years ago, the Wampanoag people met the people of the Mayflower when they arrived on American shores. Central to their culture was Wampum - items of huge spiritual significance, made and woven onto belts with extraordinary skill.

In 1675-76, the attritional King Philip’s War waged as the colonists killed thousands of Native Americans in their last stand against the expansion into their lands in what is described as the bloodiest battle in US history.

Among the fallen was Wampanoag leader Metacom, known as King Philip. His Wampum Belt was seized, stolen and is still missing today.