Lot 183A

20th C. African Snake Vertebrae Bone Necklace - Strung Ophidian Beads

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 183
image_0 image_1
20th C. African Snake Vertebrae Bone Necklace - Strung Ophidian Beads
20th C. African Snake Vertebrae Bone Necklace - Strung Ophidian Beads
image_0 image_1

20th C. African Snake Vertebrae Bone Necklace - Strung Ophidian Beads

Estimate: $300 - $450

Starting Bid: $150

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

West Africa, possibly Nigeria, ca. 1900–1999 CE. A continuous strand of snake vertebrae, each tiny biconcave bone threaded through its natural canal to interlock with the next, forming a supple chain of warm earthen brown. The articulated segments retain the serpent's own architecture, their zygapophyseal projections fitting together so the necklace coils and drapes like the living animal once did. Knotted onto plant-fiber cordage, the assembly carries the quiet density of an organic ornament made from a creature of potent symbolic weight across much of West Africa, where snakes signify fertility, regeneration, protection, and the threshold between worlds. Such adornments served as personal regalia, talismanic protection, or markers of standing, the recurrent shedding of the serpent making its bones a fitting emblem of renewal and survival. Size of largest bead: 0.5" L x 0.6" W (1.3 cm L x 1.5 cm W); of necklace: 29" L (73.7 cm L).

Across the forest and savanna belts of West Africa, the serpent recurs as a charged emblem: the rainbow-python associated with fertility and continuity, the coiled snake guarding shrines and households, the molting body read as proof that life renews itself. Ornaments fashioned from a snake's own vertebrae fold that symbolism into wearable form, so that the bones of the animal become a portable amulet of regeneration and defense.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 152145

  • Condition: Excellent. Some minor nicks and chips to beads as well as slight fraying to cord. Otherwise, intact, wearable, and in excellent overall condition with rich patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000