Monday, September 14, 2009

Found On The Internet – Tasmanian Authenticity

Again the question of AUTHENTICITY arises in regard to these necklaces. Clearly the shells are:
  • maireener, Rainbow Kelp, Phasianotrochus irisodontes, shells – one may not be but it is obscured by other shells;
  • the shells are relatively mature shells;
  • on the balance of probably they were collected in Tasmanian waters;
  • natural shells found in Tasmanian waters BUT clearly this necklace has been dyed;
  • used by Aboriginal necklace makers in Tasmania BUT this necklace may well not be authentically Aboriginal, see the clasp ;
  • typical of the kind of necklace that MAY have also been known a 'Hobart Necklace';
  • typical of the kind shells found in necklaces thought to have been made by Bertie May or even M M Martin – both non-Aboriginal makers Martins, 1875 to 1930s?, Bertie May, late 1940s - 1960s? and him most likely.
For notes on Aboriginal shell necklace making in Tasmania – CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT WORTHpoint & WORTHopedia

No comments: