Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Narino culture, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. An incredible necklace constructed from 89 petite tubular beads made from rolled sheets of 88.2% to 89.3% gold, each boasting lustrous patina and uniform coloration. The miniscule beads are lined up end to end in a neatly arranged pattern that is reminiscent of snake scales or worm segments, and the thin walls bear slight indentations indicative of their age and fragility. Each side of the necklace is secured with a pair of modern gold-plated silver spherical crimp covers that act as stoppers, and the terminals themselves are capped with a gold-filled loop and lobster clasp combo for wearability. A fabulous accessory from ancient Colombia! Size (necklace): 25.8" L (65.5 cm); (largest bead): 0.42" L x 0.19" W (1.1 cm x 0.5 cm); gold quality: 88.2% to 89.3% (equivalent to 21K+); total weight: 15.3 grams

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Edward H. Merrin personal collection, 1968-1969

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#169718

  • Condition: Wearable as shown and strung in modern times. Gold beads are ancient; stringing and gold-plated components are modern. Minor abrasions and indentations to some beads, with small tears to peripheries of other beads, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful patina and surface luster throughout.

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January 27, 2022 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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