Ancient White Chalcedony Tairona Beads, Frog Pendant, and 20k Gold Beads

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Ancient White Chalcedony Tairona Beads, Frog Pendant, and 20k Gold Beads

About the Item

Eight flared chalcedony beads of uncommon size said to be from the Tairona people of Colombia, South America. In the center is a bead in the form of a frog, also made from white chalcedony. The center bead is 2.45 cm in height, 1.8 cm in width at the widest point and 1.5 cm in thickness. The drill hole is 3.8 mm in diameter. The beads alternate with spherical 20k gold beads. A pair of small spherical gold beads 5.5 mm in diameter separate the frog from the pair of larger gold beads to either side. An additional pair of slightly smaller spherical gold beads with wire stirrup connectors to the hook and eye clasp complete the necklace. The eight larger gold beads are 1.5 cm in diameter. The spheres of the beading tips are 1.3 mm in circumference. The stone beads are made entirely without the use of metal tools. Bow drills, string saws and abrasives were utilized to produce these long flared beads in antiquity. The drill holes were started from each end and meet in the center of the beads. It has taken may hours of careful, patient work to produce these extraordinary beads. The frog has been utilized as a symbolic icon by many ancient peoples in different parts of the world. No doubt it is the association with water and the physical transformation from tadpole in the watery realm to frog in the terrestrial world that make it seem magical. Frogs are also utilized as a source of powerful chemicals found in the secretions from their skin used for their self defense. They have variously been used as poisons for blow gun darts and also to produce states of altered consciousness. The beads, beading tips and hook and eye clasp are all 20k gold. The necklace is 20 5/8 inches (52.5 cm) in length. The necklace weighs 77.2 grams.

Creator:
David Ebbinghouse
Metal:
Gold
Stone:
Chalcedony
Stone Cut:
Bead
Weight:
77.2 g
Dimensions:
Length: 20.67 in (525 mm)
Style:
Artist
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
15th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The stones in this piece are all ancient. The goldwork is modern and was done by our expert goldsmith, Michael Winsten, to enhance the beauty of the ancient beads.
Seller Location:
Bloomington, IN
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU2425213902112