Pacific Northwest Dentalium Shell & Trade Bead Necklace Mountain Man Fur Trade

Description

Pacific Northwest Dentalium Shell & Trade Bead Necklace Mountain Man Fur Trade. Condition is "New". These wonderful necklaces made from the Dentalium shells were used by Inuit, First Nations, and Native Americans as an international trade item. This usage is found along the western coast of Canada and along the Pacific Ocean coast of the northwest United States, extending southward to Southern California. Traditionally, the shells of Antalis pretiosa (previously known as Dentalium pretiosum, the precious dentalium, a species which occurs from Alaska to Baja California) were harvested from deep waters around the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, especially off the coast of Vancouver Island. These particular shells have been cut and shaped by myself ( Le Tortue) and then paired with Czech glass trade beads and iron ( yes iron!!) accent beads. The shells are fairly hardy ( robust) but the necklace should be treated delicately as an object of great worth as they were historically. This necklace measures 28" total length, 14" drop from neck. This necklace would suit man, woman or child and be welcomed wherever historical authenticity is valued. Thanks for visiting and Good Luck Bidding!!