A collection of bone and abalone shell beads, as well as bone awls and tools, from the Ancestral Nisenan Maidu people is a beautiful and historically significant example of Native American craftsmanship history. The collection includes a variety of bone and abalone shell beads, ranging in size and shape, as well as several bone awls, which were used for making holes in leather, hide, and other materials. The collection was found on a private ranch along the Sacramento River near Sacramento, California in the 1960’s by Dr. Daniel Ferrigno. The longest awl measures approximately 7 1/8 inches in length and the set comes in a riker glass top display case that measures 16.25 inches by 12.25 inches. The Nisenan Maidu people are a Native American tribe indigenous to the central Sierra Nevada foothills and Sacramento Valley in California. They have a rich cultural heritage and history dating back over 3,000 years. The Nisenan Maidu people were skilled hunters, gatherers, and farmers, and they had a deep connection to the land and the natural world. Bone and abalone shell beads have been used for adornment and decoration by many Native American tribes for thousands of years. These beads were made from the shells and bones of animals, which were carefully shaped and polished to create intricate and beautiful designs. Abalone shell beads were highly valued for their iridescent colors and were often used as a symbol of wealth and status. Bone awls and other tools were also essential for many aspects of Native American life, including clothing and shelter construction, hunting, and food preparation. In conclusion, the collection of bone and abalone shell beads, as well as bone awls, from the Ancestral Nisenan Maidu people is a valuable and significant example of Native American craftsmanship and cultural heritage. These artifacts showcase the skill and artistry of the Nisenan Maidu people, as well as the important role that bone and shell beads and tools played in Native American life. The collection serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Nisenan Maidu people and other Native American tribes.