K'enq'ena

The k'enq'ena was beaded with dentalia (mollusk shells) and worn similar to an award banner (sash). The dentalia were taken from one of the lakes in the area. Dentalia are gathered by attaching a piece of raw meat to a line which is thrown to the bottom of a lake. The dentalia attach themselves to the line. The red beads are glass and are some of the first beads that came to the Nondalton area. The k'enq'ena was used for ceremonial dances, decoration, and was always worn by the chief. This belonged to Wassillie Trefon. He was the second chief in the 1950's. The beads were sewn on to a new piece of leather, previously they had been sewn on cloth. K'enq'ena provided by Martha and Billy Trefon Sr.