Nancy Farmer

(b.1943) lives in Ripley in Lauderdale County
Ripley Choctaw beaded collar, (n.d.)
size 10 glass seed beads, nylon thread, and spring loaded clasp, 7 x 9.25 x .13 inches, 2004.50.18

This contemporary young girl’s collar necklace is constructed with size 10 glass seed beads, and sewn with a size 12 standard bead needle. The collar has four rows of alternating red and white beads held together by a spring loaded clasp sewn with nylon thread size 00. One yellow bead has been included in the lower white section. The yellow bead may represent an intentional flaw or simply be a mistake. Choctaw collar necklaces are part of traditional ceremonial clothing worn at special gatherings and events. Farmer belongs to Tennessee’s Choctaw community.  The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, descendants of tribal members who resisted 19th century removal, received federal recognition in 1945.  In 1952, agricultural work drew a number of Mississippi Choctaw to West Tennessee, where about 300 Choctaw now live in or around Ripley, maintaining their membership in the Mississippi Band.