Meskwaki Tribe places historic bear claw necklace on display

Wednesday, March 19, 2014  

The Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa has reclaimed a part of its history.

The bear claw necklace that was worn by tribal leaders during council meetings and during trips to Washington, D.C. But it was sold sometime in the 1940s.

The tribe recently re-acquired the necklace during an auction. It's made from 31 claws of the extinct prairie grizzly bear.

"It symbolizes a lot," Johnathan Buffalo, the tribe's historical preservation director, told The Tama Times-Republican . "The tribal members have been happy that it's back home."

The necklace is on display at the tribe's casino.

Get the Story:
Piece of history returns home to Meskwaki tribe (The Tama Times-Republican 3/19)