Shell Necklace

Angami, Naga People, India
19th Century or earlier
Shells
30.5 in / 77 cm
$4,000

This prestigious heirloom necklace is composed of large beads likely cut from a giant clam. The Angami live high in the mountains and far from the sea. That is why jewelry made from shell is so highly esteemed. A related piece is published in NAGA, awe inspiring beauty, by Michel Draguet, fig 236, p 306.