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

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