Producer unknown to us
Necklace
Americas, North America, Great Plains
19th century
Stone beads, animal teeth
Collection context unknown to us
Purchased by the museum from the GDR state art trade company in 1957
NAm 4712
This necklace is made from polished blue and gray stone beads threaded on a string alternating with the teeth of a predator (cougar or bear). Since these animals, especially bears, were considered to be dangerous and in possession of supernatural powers, the wearer of such a necklace was accorded great prestige, and in some cases, the animal’s spiritual powers were even transferred to the wearer.
The popular fascination for Indigenous America, called “Indianthusiasm” by scholars, helped disseminate information about such prestigious relationships widely in European literature and culture. Hence, like the feather headdresses of the Plains, such pieces became prestigious objects for museums to impress visitors.
The museum purchased this necklace in 1957 from the GDR state art trade company, which suggests that it had previously been in private ownership. However, the exact provenance and circumstances of collection remain unclear due to a lack of documentation.
Frank Usbeck