Which colors are traditionally used in wampum beads?

• A. Blue and gold
• B. Purple and white
• C. Red and yellow
• D. Black and white

Answer: (B)

Wampum beads are traditionally made in two colors: white and purple. The white beads come from the nacre of white clam shells, while the purple beads come from a darker region of the shell that produces a purplish hue. These two colors are used together in belts to record treaties, ceremonies, and important events, with purple often marking significance or emphasis and white serving as the background. That historic pairing—purple and white—defines traditional wampum, whereas the other color combinations do not reflect the classic wampum palette.