18th C. Native American Chumash Shell Bead Necklace
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Description
**Originally Listed At $300**
Native American, central and southern coastal regions of California, Chumash people, ca. 18th century CE. A beautiful necklace comprised of dozens of discoid beads carved from shell, and featuring an ovoid, pearlescent shell pendant. All are strung on a modern strand to be wearable. A single blue glass bead is placed opposite the pendant and tied to the strand to keep the other beads in place. Standardized shell beads like these discoid examples were more likely used as currency than decoration, as ornamental shells were commonly more labor-intensive. The Chumash used shell beads like these as money 2,000 years ago, making them one of the first examples of the use of money anywhere in the Americas. Size of necklace: 24.5" L (62.2 cm); of pendant: 2" W x 1.3" H (5.1 cm x 3.3 cm)
Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000; ex- L. Friendly Ranch
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#180389
Native American, central and southern coastal regions of California, Chumash people, ca. 18th century CE. A beautiful necklace comprised of dozens of discoid beads carved from shell, and featuring an ovoid, pearlescent shell pendant. All are strung on a modern strand to be wearable. A single blue glass bead is placed opposite the pendant and tied to the strand to keep the other beads in place. Standardized shell beads like these discoid examples were more likely used as currency than decoration, as ornamental shells were commonly more labor-intensive. The Chumash used shell beads like these as money 2,000 years ago, making them one of the first examples of the use of money anywhere in the Americas. Size of necklace: 24.5" L (62.2 cm); of pendant: 2" W x 1.3" H (5.1 cm x 3.3 cm)
Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000; ex- L. Friendly Ranch
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#180389
Condition
Some nicks, chips, and abrasions to beads, all commensurate with age, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable.
Buyer's Premium
- 27.5%
18th C. Native American Chumash Shell Bead Necklace
Estimate $400 - $600
2 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
Local Pickup Available
Payment
Accepts seamless payments through LiveAuctioneers
Auction Curated By
Owner/Executive Director, Antiquities & Pre-Columbian Art
PhD. Art History, Director, Fine & Visual Arts
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