{"product_id":"pre-columbian-colima-shell-ceremonial-necklace","title":"Pre-Columbian Colima Shell Ceremonial Necklace","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"343\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"178\" data-end=\"228\"\u003ePre-Columbian Colima Shell Ceremonial Necklace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"228\" data-end=\"231\"\u003eWest Mexico — Colima Culture, Shaft Tomb Tradition\u003cbr data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"284\"\u003eProtoclassic to Early Classic Period, ca. 100 BC – 250 AD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"345\" data-end=\"368\"\u003eLength: 15 1\/2 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"450\"\u003eAtlatl Finger Grip Pendant: 1 1\/4\" x 3\/4\" x 3\/4\"\u003cbr data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"421\"\u003eFace Pendant: 13\/16\" x 5\/8\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"512\"\u003eProvenance: Ex-Elizabeth Dennis Collection, North Carolina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"948\"\u003eAn exceptional ceremonial necklace composed of hand-carved marine shell elements attributed to the Colima culture of West Mexico’s Shaft Tomb tradition. The strand is formed from numerous square and discoidal plaques interspersed with cylindrical spacers, all exhibiting strong mineralization, surface pitting, and burial encrustation consistent with ancient interment. The shell has developed a warm cream-to-honey patina throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"1488\"\u003eThe necklace is centered by two highly significant pendants: a finely carved anthropomorphic face with drilled circular eyes, a prominent nose, and stylized radiating hair or headdress elements characteristic of Colima sculptural traditions, and a carved shell atlatl finger grip measuring 1 1\/4\" x 3\/4\" x 3\/4\", originally part of a spear-thrower mechanism and here preserved as a prestige ornament. Objects associated with the atlatl carry strong connotations of warrior identity, authority, and elite status within Shaft Tomb societies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1808\"\u003eMarine shell was a valued imported material in inland West Mexico and frequently reserved for high-status adornment and ritual display. The combination of geometric plaques, anthropomorphic imagery, and weapon-related symbolism creates a visually powerful assemblage reflecting both ceremonial and social significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1810\" data-end=\"1888\"\u003eMounted on a modern cord with clasp for stability, display, and optional wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1987\"\u003eA rare and compelling example of personal ornamentation from the ancient cultures of West Mexico.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Minerva Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52756345454889,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2762\/2185\/files\/Photo_Feb_25_2026_11_35_55_AM_1.jpg?v=1772059893","url":"https:\/\/minerva-gallery.com\/es\/products\/pre-columbian-colima-shell-ceremonial-necklace","provider":"Minerva Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}