Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, probably Michoacan or Colima, ca. 500 BCE to 300 CE. A fine necklace constructed with dozens of hand-carved Spondylus shell beads as well as 4 claw-shaped Spondylus shell pendants. Several beads are of petite seed forms or tubular forms of varying sizes, though most beads are of flat forms with openwork central gaps that make each bead resemble an abstract ursine head. Dangling from the center of the necklace are 4 slender shell pendants that gently curve as if mimicking the claws of a bear. Size (necklace): 22.75" L (57.8 cm); (largest shell pendant): 2.6" L x 0.24" W (6.6 cm x 0.6 cm)

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

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#171320

Wearable as shown and strung in modern times. Spondylus shell beads are ancient; stringing is modern. Minor nicks, chips, abrasions, and pitting to some beads, otherwise intact and very good. Great preservation to bead forms and colors.