05/24/2026
Poohqawuhak - Hard Clam (Quahog)
The Poohqawuhak is one of the most important animals to the indigenous people in Southern New England. Used as food, tools and jewelry the Poohqawuhak are sacred to our people.
The beautiful purple “foot” of the Poohqawuhak historically (and in modern times) was used for the beautiful dark wampum beads known as suhkawuhak (dark shell) or moowuhak (black shell).
Poohqawuhak are also used to make traditional dishes such as New England Clam Chowder or in more recent times Clam Cakes.
The thick shell of the Poohqawuhak were also used as heads for garden hoes or ayaskuheek (shell tool). And also as tweezers to shape indigenous hairstyles.
