NAVIGATION

Lakota Sioux sacred medicines took many forms. Umbilical cord container amulets were made to contain and protect the dried cord which had sustained the child in early life. The beaded amulets were made to resemble lizards, which held male umbilical cords, and turtles which held female ones, and sometimes snakes, all of which are very hard to catch or kill.
The amulet would be hung from the cradle board and would serve as both a protection and a playful distraction for the baby.