Description:

South Asia, India / Burma border, Nagaland, Naga people, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A gorgeous, heavy necklace composed of 176 strands of glass seeds beads, cotton cords, and a shell button! This massive piece features unusual, teal-colored glass beads and weighs approximately 4 lb. (1.8 kg). This was made and used by the Nagas in ceremonies, and not intended for tourists as far as we can tell! This is in excellent museum-quality condition. The beads, likely acquired through trade from Europe and India, may date from the late 19th century CE, and the chank shell button was sourced from the Indian Ocean. During the time that this necklace was made, the Naga still led a very traditional lifestyle and engaged in headhunting. During the great ritual occasions in their calendar, men and women dress in ceremonial clothing and ornaments, including a necklace like this one. Still wearable! Size of necklace: 35" L (88.9 cm); shell button: 1.3" L x 1.3" W (3.3 cm x 3.3 cm)

Provenance: Cultural Patina Gallery, Burke, Virginia, USA

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#188156

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Some wear to cotton cords from use.

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August 9, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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