An extraordinary vintage statement necklace composed of dozens of hand-strung strands, each cascading with tiny beads and carved animal figures. The necklace features a dense fringe of multicolored strands anchored by a thicker beaded collar, creating a dramatic, ceremonial silhouette when worn.
Scattered throughout the strands are small carved animal fetishes — horses, bears, deer, and other quadrupeds — painted in earthy reds, ochres, turquoise blues, blacks, and soft yellows. The effect is lively and almost totemic, as if each figure is in motion. This is not a subtle piece; it feels ritualistic, protective, and alive.
Likely made as folk or artisan jewelry and dating to the late 20th century. Pieces like this were often created for ceremonial wear, performance, or as one-of-a-kind art jewelry rather than mass production.
Materials
Based on visual inspection, this necklace appears to include:
Length about 15 inches, when the necklace is clasped, the full length of the strands is hard to calculate due to the design, but it is approximately 20 inches long (lay flat).
Carved animal fetishes (likely painted stone, bone, resin, or composite material)
Small round and heishi-style beads (wood, clay, or dyed stone)
Glass accent beads in jewel tones
Wrapped textile or corded collar section
Metal hook clasp (silver-tone)
An extraordinary vintage statement necklace composed of dozens of hand-strung strands, each cascading with tiny beads and carved animal figures. The necklace features a dense fringe of multicolored strands anchored by a thicker beaded collar, creating a dramatic, ceremonial silhouette when worn.
Scattered throughout the strands are small carved animal fetishes — horses, bears, deer, and other quadrupeds — painted in earthy reds, ochres, turquoise blues, blacks, and soft yellows. The effect is lively and almost totemic, as if each figure is in motion. This is not a subtle piece; it feels ritualistic, protective, and alive.
Likely made as folk or artisan jewelry and dating to the late 20th century. Pieces like this were often created for ceremonial wear, performance, or as one-of-a-kind art jewelry rather than mass production.
Materials
Based on visual inspection, this necklace appears to include:
Length about 15 inches, when the necklace is clasped, the full length of the strands is hard to calculate due to the design, but it is approximately 20 inches long (lay flat).
Carved animal fetishes (likely painted stone, bone, resin, or composite material)
Small round and heishi-style beads (wood, clay, or dyed stone)
Glass accent beads in jewel tones
Wrapped textile or corded collar section
Metal hook clasp (silver-tone)
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