McClung Museum:

My material focus was shell/wood.  The shell artifacts were mostly used for showing the status of one's social placement in society.  Shell jewelry was normally presented to thos of higher status in the hierarchy of the natives.  

Wood, on the other hand was used in multiple fashions.  One way wood was used was for transportation.  The natives carved boats from tree trunks to help with travel for trade.  Trade is the way in which the natives obtained shells to create their jewelry

Wood and jewelry use is still done similarly today:

modern day shell inspired jewelry