4275

Clamshell Bead Strings

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Clamshell Bead Strings
Lot: 4275
Header:
Title: Clamshell Bead Strings
Description: Two strings of circular clamshell beads: (1) about 35" long, with 3/8” – ½” diameter beads, and (2) necklace about 22” total length, with similar, rough circular beads. Probably Pacific Coast origin; shell beads were a native currency on the West Coast for hundreds if not thousands of years; the Pomo and Chumash Indians of California used them as money as late as 1926. Included is a pamphlet on usage of these beads. See Opitz, pp. 371-72.
Low Estimate: 450
High Estimate: 600
Pedigree Collection: