Rare Wampum Beads Found in Ferryland: A Window to the Past

Photo: X / IndigenousBeads

This summer, archaeologists working in Ferryland, Newfoundland, made a rare and surprising discovery. During excavation at the historic Colony of Avalon, seven small beads were unearthed. These were not ordinary beads, but wampum beads, believed to be the very first ever found in the province.

The discovery was made by Calum Brydon, a graduate archaeology student. At first, he wasn’t certain of what he had uncovered. The small tubular beads looked different. Later, it became clear that these were special — they were crafted from shells and carried deep cultural meaning.

What Are Wampum Beads?

Wampum beads are made from quahog and whelk shells. They are usually white and purple in color and shaped into small tubular forms. For Indigenous peoples in northeastern North America, wampum held many uses.

• Ornamental and ceremonial: Wampum beads were often worn as jewelry or used in special gatherings.

• Recording history: Beads were woven into belts that preserved stories, agreements, and important events.

• Trade and currency: Wampum was widely used as a form of exchange in trading networks.

The beads found in Ferryland are thought to have arrived there through trade. European merchants, likely English or Dutch, may have exchanged goods with Indigenous communities, received the beads, and then carried them to Newfoundland.

Ferryland’s Rich History

The Colony of Avalon, established in the early 1600s, was once home to Baron George Calvert, who later became known as Lord Baltimore. It was meant to be a safe place for Roman Catholics escaping religious persecution in England.

Today, Ferryland is known as one of the best-preserved early European settlements in North America. But despite its importance, much about its daily life remains unknown. Every artifact discovered helps paint a clearer picture of how people lived, worked, and connected with others.

Why This Discovery Matters

Professor Barry Gaulton, who leads archaeological research at Ferryland, explained why the beads are so important. He said they prove that Ferryland was not as isolated as people might think. Even in the 1600s, the small fishing community had strong connections with people across North America and Europe.

“These beads are a physical reminder of the trade, communication, and cultural exchange that happened here,” he explained.

A Site Full of Treasures

The Colony of Avalon is no stranger to remarkable discoveries. Since excavation began in 1992, nearly two million artifacts have been uncovered. These include:

• Gold coins

• A copper crucifix

• Gaming pieces made of slate

• Pieces of pottery and tools

This year’s dig has been especially exciting. Archaeologists uncovered new structural remains, including walls in the cold storage area known as the buttery. This is where Brydon also came across the wampum beads. Each discovery adds new details to the story of Ferryland.

The Student’s Perspective

For Brydon, finding wampum beads has been a career highlight. He described the moment as both exciting and humbling. “I didn’t expect to be the one who found them,” he admitted. “At first, it didn’t click. But then I realized how special it was.”

He also praised the site itself, calling it unique compared to many others in Atlantic Canada. “Most sites from this time are wooden, but here we have large stone structures and an incredible amount of artifacts preserved,” he said.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

The discovery of the wampum beads shows how history is still alive beneath the soil of Ferryland. Every dig season brings new surprises, helping archaeologists, historians, and the public understand the deep connections that shaped Newfoundland’s early history.

For the people working there, each find — whether a bead, a coin, or a wall — is a step closer to understanding the daily life, struggles, and stories of the people who once called the Colony of Avalon their home.

Summary

Seven wampum beads discovered in Ferryland mark a first for Newfoundland. These rare artifacts link the 17th-century colony to Indigenous peoples and international trade, reminding us that even remote settlements were part of a much larger world.