Lot 491

Early Native American Skunk Bead Trade Necklaces

Estimate: $250 - $500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For you consideration are these two early Native American Indian Skunk Bead Trade necklaces. African Skunk Beads are a must have for any bead enthusiast! Skunk trade beads were originally made in Venice and brought to Africa during the 18th century,one of the earliest types of Venetian Trade Beads to be mass produced exclusively for trade with tribes along Africa's East Coast. Manufactured in the northeast region of Italy from as early as the 1730's, they found their way to Mali in West Africa on the vessels of tusk-seeking merchants some time around the mid Century. African Skunk Beads are modernly referred to as “Eye Beads” - a name which derives from the distinctive white spots on the outer skin, which are created by applying molten white glass to a cooled wound base. Today Skunk beads are a rare and special bead for the discerning collector. The first necklace consists of 55 13.5mm opaque white glass with white and yellow spots trade beads and crossing red basket weave design. The second necklace displays 53 13mm wonderful glass trade beads showing an opaque white color with multiple white spots on each bead, and undulating blue basket weave design. The necklaces are strung with very sturdy natural fiber and show very good quality and condition. Measure approximately 14"L each.
North American Auction Company is proud to announce the opening of our new in-house, full-service shipping department. We have listened to you the customer and will now be handling all outgoing packages in our new shipping department. We are confident this new offering will allow for a smooth transition from auction block to your front step. We have partnered with preferred carriers to ensure a safe, efficient delivery that works best with your schedule. Please allow 14-21 days after complete invoice payment is made to package and ship your purchase. After you are notified of your winning bids from our company and your item invoice is paid in full our new shipping department will contact you. Make sure when signing up with our company that your preferred shipping information is up to date as this information will be used to estimate shipping cost. Once the items have been packaged our team will contact you for shipping payment. Shipping invoices and payment will be completely separately than the items invoice. Please notify the shipping department with any alternate request or instructions at mark@northamericanauctioncompany.com or 800-686-4216 ext. 3. For a shipping quote please contact the same information above. PLEASE NOTE a shipping quote price can fluctuate in price. Auction company is not responsible for actual shipping cost being higher than quoted shipping cost. Thank you for trusting North American Auction Co. with your bids and shipping. As our shipping department is brand new please understand that delays can be expected.