Pre-Columbian Multi-Strand Beaded Necklace
Tairona Culture, Northern Colombia
Circa 1000–1500 CE
Shell, green stone, sodalite, jasper, and one animal tooth
Length: 9 3/4" in length, double that each strand if extended.
Mounted on modern cord with decorative metal clasp

This finely assembled multi-strand necklace is composed of a diverse and beautifully patinated collection of ancient beads attributed to the Tairona culture, which flourished in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region of northern Colombia. The necklace features a rich mix of rounded and cylindrical beads carved from marine shell, green stone, sodalite, and jasper, carefully interspersed with naturally shaped pendants and a single small animal tooth, possibly symbolic in ritual or protective context. The materials exhibit a harmonious range of colors, from deep greens and muted reds to pale ochres and creamy tones, bearing surface deposits and wear consistent with age and archaeological burial.

The Tairona were known for their refined lapidary and metallurgical work, often incorporating symbolic and shamanic elements into personal adornment. This necklace reflects both their aesthetic sophistication and cultural complexity. It has been professionally restrung for both preservation and wearability and is finished with a gold-toned modern clasp that nods subtly to Pre-Columbian design motifs.

Provenance: Private Austin, Texas collection, acquired through family descent; originally collected in the 1960s.

Comparable Examples: Similar examples of Tairona beaded necklaces and adornments can be found in the permanent collection of the Museo del Oro, Bogotá, and are illustrated in key academic publications on Pre-Columbian ornamentation, including Pre-Columbian Gold: Technology, Style, and Iconography, Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Condition: Beads in very good condition with age-appropriate surface wear, mineral accretions, and minor chipping. The animal tooth exhibits calcification consistent with burial. Necklace restrung with modern materials for stability.

Note: Multi-material necklaces of this scale and completeness are seldom found intact. The inclusion of diverse bead types and a ritual element such as a tooth reflects a high degree of cultural and symbolic intent, making this an exceptional example of Tairona personal adornment.