Ethnic Beaded Necklace

Handcrafted necklace with stone, bone, and wood beads. TIME PERIOD Mid-to-late 20th Century ORIGIN East African inspired HISTORY Beadwork has been a significant form of artistic expression and cultural identity across many regions of the world for millennia. In Africa, beadwork is particularly rich, with distinct styles and materials used by different ethnic groups to signify status, marital status, and tribal affiliation. These intricate creations often incorporate natural materials like seeds, shells, bone, and stone, alongside trade beads introduced through historical commerce. This necklace, with its mix of natural stones, carved bone-like elements, and wood, evokes a tribal or ethnic aesthetic. Such pieces are often handcrafted by artisans, drawing inspiration from traditional designs or creating contemporary interpretations. The use of a large central pendant and varied bead shapes suggests a deliberate, artistic arrangement, characteristic of artisanal jewelry that aims to be both decorative and culturally resonant.