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CA. A.D. 200 - 600
Details
MOCHICA SHELL AND TURQUOISE NECKLACE
ca. A.D. 200 - 600
composed of twenty-seven trapezoidal conch shell plaques strung as a wide collar, inlaid with turquoise double-headed serpents alternating with spondylus shell snakes, each with gaping mouth, with tongues and eyes inlaid in alternating turquoise and shell, trimmed along the upper and lower borders with similar inlays; each plaque pierced twice laterally for suspension.
Width 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.)
ca. A.D. 200 - 600
composed of twenty-seven trapezoidal conch shell plaques strung as a wide collar, inlaid with turquoise double-headed serpents alternating with spondylus shell snakes, each with gaping mouth, with tongues and eyes inlaid in alternating turquoise and shell, trimmed along the upper and lower borders with similar inlays; each plaque pierced twice laterally for suspension.
Width 10 1/4 in. (26 cm.)
Further details
Such ornamental shell collars are depicted on ceramic figures and painted vases dating back to the early Formative Period. The Spondylus shell was highly valued and relegated for usage by the elite caste as jewelry or as inlays in wood and ceramic objects.