**Originally Listed At $300**

Pre-Columbian, Mexico to Central America, Maya Territories, ca. 100 to 1500 CE. A collection of 15 ancient shell and greenstone beads strung together as a wearable necklace with modern southwestern heishi shell beads balancing the rest of the strand. The shell discs and greenstone beads forming the centerpiece of this necklace are ancient - shaped by pecking and polishing and drilling through the center for use as jewelry and ornaments. Green was associated with water and vegetation, shells also symbolic of the life-giving ocean. The use of shells was not restricted to coastal cultures, and marine shells have been found far inland, clearly desirable trade items - not only for their beauty, but also for their spiritual importance! Size of strand doubled: 28" L (71.1 cm); central pendant stone: 1" L x 1.125" W (2.5 cm x 2.9 cm)

Provenance: private New Mexico, USA collection

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#176120

Central 15 beads are ancient, and heishi shells are modern. Minor nicks and chips to ancient beads commensurate with age. Strung in modern times on a modern cotton cord, and wearable.