Description:

North America, Midwestern United States, lower Mississippian, ca. 345 million years ago. A collection of 53 barrel shaped fragments from fossilized crinoids strung on a modern monofilament wire. Crinoids were prehistoric sea creatures related to starfish and sea urchins, they attached themselves to the sea floor using long stems like anchors - these "beads" are actually fragments of the stalk. The columnal stalk is made up of interlocking discs, with a central perforation that once held the nerves and organs of this creature. When the crinoid fossilized the stems often break into small pieces - forming near perfect tubes and discs that often resemble unstrung beads. They are commonly found in the USA Midwest and colloquially known as Indian beads although there is only anectdotal evidence the beads were worn. Size of largest: 1.14" L x 0.65" W (2.9 cm x 1.7 cm); strand doubled: 17" L (43.2 cm)

Provenance: Cultural Patina Gallery, Burke, Virginia, USA

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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#188282

  • Condition: Chips and losses throughout as expected with age and fossilization. Strung on a modern monofilament wire.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 19, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000