Apache Bead Necklace

Antique American Indian Art Verified independent store

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Mid to Late 19th Century 20" L + 2.75" L x 2.125" W An early trade bead necklace with and Copper medallion showing early Rockerwork, with "whisker pullers" Tweezers In Very Good Co ndition Apache-style bead necklaces incorporating Early Plains sytle rockerwork copper medallion from Southern Plains Native American jewelry traditions, where this style of work became important from the mid-19th century onward. Copper and German silver was traded to Plains tribes (including groups associated with the Apache, such as the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma / Plains Apache or Kiowa-Apache) and valued for its durability. Southern Plains artists used it for armbands, conchos, crosses, hair plates, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chokers, bandoliers, and other adornments. It remains part of contemporary Southern Plains work, sometimes combined with beads or other materials. The whisker pullers are a rare artifact, and, when found, were often worn on necklaces such as this. Show more