Necklace
Plateau
c 1875-1900
Olivella shells, most likely traded from Northern California tribes were chipped or ground at the spiral end to provide an opening to be strung as a necklace. These shells are one of the oldest types of beads found archeologically in the Western US. They were a popular currency in Southern California, the Great Basin and the Columbia Plateau many thousands of years ago.
Shell (Olivella biplicata). L 190.0 cm
Nez Perce National Historical Park, NEPE 2361