**First Time At Auction**
Pre-Columbian, Maya Territories, ca. 7th to 9th century CE. A beautiful necklace comprised of ancient beads, hand carved from over 100 stone and shell pieces. The beads along the strand are carved into triangular and wedge shapes with hand-drilled perforations through each. These beads present with lovely hues of red, orange, and creamy white. The pieces of shell are likely from a Spondylus, a sacred shell from the Pacific ocean. The terminal strands are tightly woven and form loops that are secured with two large disc-shaped greenstones and loose fiber tassel ends. A stunning piece of ancient Mesoamerican jewelry! Mounted within a case. Size necklace approximately: 45" L (114.3 cm); case: 9.75" L x 11.375" W x 2.25" H (24.8 cm x 28.9 cm x 5.7 cm)
The Spondylus shell was a sacred mythical shell among various Pre-Columbian cultures carrying numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino.
Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s
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#161579
Condition
Nicks to beads and natural ossification and pitting of surfaces. Strung in modern times on modern cord. Professionally mounted within a case.