Cowrie Shell Necklace Appraisal

Cowrie Shell Necklace

This item is a necklace or strand of beads crafted from natural cowrie shells. The shells are off-white to light beige in color, with some exhibiting faint grey or greenish tones. Each shell is ovoid in shape and appears to have been naturally polished by the sea. They are relatively uniform in size and strung together to create a multi-strand design. The construction involves multiple strands of shells twisted or braided together, forming a thick, rope-like appearance. The ends of the strand are not fully visible, but one end appears to be secured with a rough, possibly wrapped or knotted material of a light brown color. The overall condition appears good, with no immediately obvious chips or breaks on the visible shells. There is a natural patina visible, consistent with their origin. There are no discernible manufacturer's marks, signatures, or stamps. Based on the materials and construction, this piece likely falls into the realm of tribal, ethnic, or bohemian style. The estimated age is difficult to determine without further information, but similar pieces have been made for many decades. The quality of craftsmanship appears to be moderate, indicative of a handmade item where uniformity of the natural materials is the primary characteristic.