Pre-Columbian, Peru, Ecuador, or Colombia, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A gorgeous necklace comprised of dozens and dozens of coral red spondylus and white clam shell beads - arranged in a symmetrical design, with a large pendant featuring a polished clamshell face pendant with incised features and an attached headdress made from a tumbaga horseshoe form wrapped around a rosette made from a white shell and a red spondylus bead threaded to the head via an oxidized silver pin. The treasured Spondylus shell manifesting myriad varieties of red, pink, and white in this beautiful piece of jewelry was understood by the ancients as a symbol of fertility and power. Works comprised of Spondylus shell were customarily used in rituals and ceremonies in Pre-Columbian times. In addition, Spondylus shell creations served as offerings to Pachamama and funerary offerings for deceased loved ones. Size: 22" L (55.9 cm); pendant + beaded dropped section above measures 3.75" L (9.5 cm)

Provenance: private Andrade collection New York, NY, USA acquired 1960's; ex-Knoedler & Company

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#131484

Modern stringing and clasp. Expected surface wear to beads. Normal oxidation to tumbaga elements.