Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Manteno culture, ca. 800 to 1500 CE. A necklace comprised of thirty-six ceramic spindle whorls, most adorned by a pelican or similar motif, with five that are larger and have abstract decorative motifs aside from one in the shape of a face. These whorls are spaced apart with black disc beads, also made of ceramic. They form strand studded with smaller whorls above a collection of five hanging strands, each terminating in a large whorl. Length of chain: 21" L (53.3 cm); length of necklace with bottom whorl pendants: 15" L (38.1 cm)

Spindle whorls are perforated disks that were used in the production of spun fiber, and as a result are the most common evidence for the production of textiles in the pre-Columbian New World from Mexico south. However, they also have meaning for our understanding of that world beyond just the utilitarian - these were individual items made by women, many of which reflect the pride that they took in making them and giving them unique motifs. The pelicans on some of these spindle whorls would have reminded their makers of supernatural figures.

Provenance: private Andrade collection New York, USA, acquired 1960s; ex Kneeler & Company

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#131561

All beads have some light wear on the surface, including some scratching. Modern stringing.