Pre-Columbian, Northern Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. A wearable necklace constructed with dozens of tubular carnelian beads as well as 26 petite beads depicting grub worms known as "gusanos." The round-backed creatures each have incised striations to delineate their heads from their bodies, and the central pendant depicts a larger grub worm with a sizable head. The ends of the necklace are capped with a lustrous loop and lobster clasp. Size (necklace): 24.5" L (62.2 cm); (pendant): 1.03" L x 0.48" W (2.6 cm x 1.2 cm)

Provenance: private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection, purchased 1989; ex-Gary Coleman, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, acquired 1976; ex private British Columbia collection, Canada, acquired 1972

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#172594

Wearable as shown and strung in modern times. Carnelian beads are ancient; stringing and findings are modern. Minor chips and abrasions to pendant and some beads, otherwise intact and very good. Nice surface smoothness and stone coloration throughout.