I am an intern at the Mingei International Museum in San Diego. I am assisting with cataloging beads and beaded objects that are part of the collection donated to the Mingei by the Bead Museum that closed in Arizona. I am also researching some of the objects to determine their origins. I have been unable to find any images that match this necklace on the internet. The necklace is made of tan, black and reddish beads that are made from some kind of seed. It is strung on cord. There are oblong beads made from either bone or shell, incised with lines at the bottom of the necklace. I have researched Southeast Asian, South American, and Pacific Island cultures, but so far have not found anything like it. Has anyone seen anything that resembles this necklace? I have higher resolution images, but they are too big to download here. Please contact me directly if possible if you have any suggestions for further research.
Thanks,
Ann