Native American, Plains, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A medicine necklace comprised of 40 old white padre beads, 36 old Venetian chevron beads (4 that are quite large), 2 old red padre beads, and 5 bear claws. This handsome beaded necklace is attached to an old hand-stitched, buckskin bag with a zigzag upper border and a trim of long fringe on the bottom. Bear claws are particularly cherished by virtually every Native American tribe, figuring prominently in their mythology. In most Native American cultures, the bear is considered a medicine being with magical powers, and plays a major role in various religious ceremonies. They are typically associated with healing and medicine. Since bears continue fighting, even after they have been seriously injured, Native Americans often believed they were capable of healing their wounds. Beyond this, bears also serve as universal symbols of strength and wisdom. Size: necklace measures 20" L (50.8 cm); largest bear claw measures 2.5" L (6.4 cm); largest chevron bead measures 1.125" L x .75" W (2.9 cm x 1.9 cm)

Padre beads are a wound glass trade beads that were imported to Africa and the Americas by Spanish missionaries and monks. The term padre bead is derived from the fact that these beads were worn by priests – the Spanish word for priest being padre which means father – and Franciscan priests would give these beads to Native Americans as rewards for their conversion to Christianity. Padre beads were favored between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Chevron beads - also called star or rosetta beads - are very special glass beads created in Venice and Murano, Italy toward the end of the 14th century. They are drawn beads made from glass canes shaved via star molds and consist of layers of alternating colors, in this case red, white, royal blue, and navy blue.

Provenance: private Parker collection, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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#125597

Buckskin shows creases and wear commensurate with age, but is in overall nice condition. A few tiny nicks to beads, but overall in very good condition.