Lot 212a, Auction 3/19/2026: Pre-Columbian Stone & Pottery Bead Necklace

$390.00

In stock

Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerica, ca. 500 BCE to 1200 CE. A varied strand of Pre-Columbian stone and pottery beads assembled on a modern cord to create a wearable necklace. The group includes cylindrical, disc, and barrel-shaped beads carved from a range of stones in muted tones of gray, cream, green, and red, displaying the natural textures and mineral variations typical of ancient bead production. Near the center of the strand are two pottery spindle whorl beads, recognizable by their flared, conical forms originally used as weights in textile spinning. Such objects were essential tools in ancient Mesoamerican weaving traditions and are frequently recovered in domestic and funerary archaeological contexts. Size of largest bead (center bead): 1.5″ L x 0.6″ W (3.8 cm x 1.5 cm); of necklace: 23″ L (58.4 cm)

The necklace is centered by a larger elongated stone bead and flanked by the spindle whorls, creating a balanced composition that highlights the diversity of ancient bead forms. Though strung in modern times for display and wear, the individual components represent authentic Pre-Columbian artifacts once used as ornaments, tools, or elements of personal adornment.

Condition: Ancient beads strung on a modern strand to be wearable. Some nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout, but, otherwise, beads are mostly intact and present nicely.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection

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 purchases.

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