Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2108:
Description
This offering features a significant historic Chippewa loom-beaded necklace alongside a classic Navajo silver and mother-of-pearl jewelry suite. The Chippewa necklace is a masterclass in Great Lakes artistry, showcasing traditional light blue and white geometric diamond motifs in delicate seed beads, complete with a distinctive fringed terminal. Attributed to the 1840s, this piece represents a period when trade beads were increasingly utilized to create elaborate tribal compositions. Accompanying this is a Southwest Navajo-style suite consisting of a bench-bead necklace roughly 9 inches long featuring pink mother-of-pearl cabochon drops and matching dangle earrings. The silver-toned pieces exhibit the oxidized “desert pearl” aesthetic popular in traditional silversmithing, though no visible markings are present. The items show age-appropriate wear: the Chippewa beadwork has some tension-related warping, minor thread exposure, and loose strands near the terminal, while the silver beads display a heavy, authentic patina and the mother-of-pearl has light surface scuffing. H 22″, W 1″, D 0.25”. Please see photos for condition.
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