Vtg Colonial Red Glass Beads & Coin 1898 Pendant Necklace Made In Guatemala Silver Beads Birds And 4 People
This one of a kind Guatemalan necklace is from our large collection of vintage jewelry. We purchased this necklace in Guatemala 1971.
Fantastic folk art in a stunning presentation.
The Mayans inhabited a large portion of what is now Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and five states of Mexico: Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas. It is called a chachal --Quiché for necklace--and they have been made by Mayan peoples since Colonial times. The pendants were often the same-- a coin or coins forming a center and bottom area, with two quetzal birds on either side, and milagros hanging off the bottom. The use of coins was seen as a form of wealth and prestige. The beads are traditionally made of red coral, or later pieces of red glass trade beads--this piece has both glass coral and red whiteheart trade beads. As with the coins, the red symbolizes wealth.
Product Information
| Category | Women > Jewelry > Necklaces |
|---|---|
| Brand | Handmade |
| Condition | Like new |
