Found Via eBAY: Maireener Shell Necklace – USA

Yet again AUTHENTICITY arises and yes the shells are:

• maireener, Rainbow Kelp, Phasianotrochus irisodontes, shells;
• the shells are relatively mature shells;
• most probably from Tasmanian waters;
• natural shells found in Tasmanian waters – BUT this necklace has almost certainly been dyed;
• used by Aboriginal necklace makers in Tasmania – BUT this necklace may well not be an authentic Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural product as it was not common, if at all, for Aboriginal makers to dye their shells ;
• typical of the kind of necklace known as 'Hobart Neckclaces' – this necklace may indeed be such a 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 Bertie May was known to dye his necklaces.
  

For notes on Aboriginal shell necklace making in Tasmania – CLICK HERE

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