**Originally Listed At $200**

Native American, Western United States, Plains Tribes, ca. 20th century CE. An interesting necklace made from woven nylon cords and 30 bison (buffalo) teeth. The cords are red, blue, and black strands that are twisted and woven to secure the teeth in place. A dab of adhesive is added to each tooth to ensure it stays in place. The length can be knotted at the neck to wear or display. Bison were an invaluable animal for many tribes and were used for food, medicine, tools, and clothing. These majestic animals embody the "Old West" and are integral to many traditional ways of life and religious beliefs. Size of strand: 36" L (91.4 cm); teeth: 2" L x 0.6" W (5.1 cm x 1.5 cm)

Bison, often known as the American buffalo, are in the bovine family, which contains Taurids (cattle) and bisonids, diverged from a common ancestor with the water buffalo and African buffalo around 5 to 10 million years ago. The bison at some point migrated from the Old World into the New. During the Ice Age, they were much larger, with species like Bison latifrons (giant bison) and Bison antiquus evolving to become smaller and smaller as the millennia passed and the climate changed. That does not mean they are small animals in our non-Ice Age times - in fact, today, they are the largest land mammal in North America - bigger than moose, elk, and even grizzly bears! Adult males can weigh up to 2000 pounds and stand six feet tall.

The European settlers hunted bison nearly to extinction in the 19th century. The Flathead Indian Reservation was home to a free ranging herd that was protected by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes (CSKT), to save the animals from being completely decimated. This necklace may be made from the teeth of this herd or their descendants. In 1908 the American government seized the land and herd from the CSKT and established the National Bison Range, taking the control and management of the herd away from the tribes. As of 2019, the herd's management has finally been transferred back to CSKT.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167256

Chips to the crowns of teeth, and larger losses to 2 teeth. Stable fissures and striations. Nylon cord is intact and very good. Wearable as shown.