WAMPUM \WOM.pum\ n. beads made from shells and used as a trading currency with natives in some parts of colonial North America
Wampum consisted of two types of beads, one colored white and the other purple. The white beads were made from WHELK shells, while the rarer and more valuable purple beads were made from QUAHOG (also QUAHAUG, QUOHOG or COHOG) clam shells.
In colonial New York, for example, one Dutch STUIVER (also STIVER) was valued at either 8 white wampums or 4 purple wampums.
Aussie usage
b. (after 1b) wampum and warpaint, evening dress.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer xv, He arrayed himself in the wampum and warpaint proper for such engagements as manufactured by Mr. Poole, of Saville Row.