Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche & Chimu-Inca cultures, ca. 500 to 1500 CE. A collection of approximately 130 assorted ancient Pre-Columbian stone and silver beads strung together in modern times as a wearable necklace on a cotton thread with a modern push clasp. Dark green and aqua turquoise stones graduating to square and discoidal blue sodalite stones, and the necklace splits into 2 strands, with amethyst and hollow silver spheres. Semi-precious stones, gems, and silver had special powers and symbolic meaning – green was fertility, silver was associated with the moon, nighttime, and the watery underworld that was analogous to the depths of the ocean. Size: 23" L (58.4 cm); largest stone: 1.5" L x 0.55" W (3.8 cm x 1.4 cm); silver quality: 66%; weight: 84 grams

According to the Museo Larco (Larco Museum): "From very early times, ancient Peruvians valued gemstones such as chrysocolla, turquoise, sodalite, lapis lazuli, quartz and amethyst. They used them to make beads of varying sizes for necklaces and bracelets which in some cases were combined with copper and silver beads. These personal adornments were as important as those made from precious metals and exotic seashells."

Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection

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#177516

Nicks and chips to stone beads commensurate with age and use. Indentations and tears to silver beads. Strung in modern times on a cotton thread with a sterling silver push clasp. Thread is older and we recommend restringing on a secure wire. Wearable as is.