Maireener Found On The Internet – Australia 3052, Vic.

ONLINE AUCTION – SELLERS DESCRIPTION:

• Beautiful old set of Tasmanian aboriginal shell necklace.
• Double threaded on cotton.
• 4 Strands in all.
• One strand is loose,
• Necklace is 42cms long.
• Old clasp style.
• Shells have a vibrant colour and have a purple tinge.

Auction
Start Time: 13 May. 2009 12:25:17
End Time 20 May. 2009 12:25:17
Status Closed
Reserve Price Not Met

On the balance of probability this piece is less likely to of Aboriginal production and more likely to be of either 'colonial' production – M M Martin – or by Bertie May post WW2. The clasp tends to suggest non-Aboriginal production – BUT it may well have been restrung at some time. If there is no clear provenance to establish 'Aboriginal Authenticity', and there may be, authenticity must be regarded as being ambiguous in light of unfolding evidence concerning these necklaces.