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SKU: 260929-77

Yurok Dentalia Shells Necklace

$2,420.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

ca. 17th - 19th Century

30" L x .5625" D

Dentalia Shells used as Money in North California

In Very Good Condition

Dentalia are elongated, curved, tubular “tusk” shells harvested primarily off Vancouver Island and traded south. Among the Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, and neighboring northwestern California tribes, longer, high-quality ones served as the primary form of “true money”. Shorter pieces or tips were used ornamentally in necklaces and regalia. When strung, they appear as a series of short white tubes or cylinders, often alternating orientations.

Condition: Very Good

Tribe: Hupa - Karok - Yurok - Whilkut

Year Range: Prehistoric / Pre Columbian AD 400-1500

Region: California

Dimensions: 30 in0.56 in

Category: Necklace - Fetish - Heishi - Tab - Jacla - Bead

Shipping

U.S. Shipping: One Flat Rate Per Order

Every U.S. order is packed in-house at our gallery and ships insured via USPS or UPS, with signature required on delivery. You pay one flat rate for the whole order, never per item:

  • Fetishes: $8
  • Jewelry & Pottery: $15
  • All other pieces: $20

Buying from more than one category? You only pay the highest rate in your cart, so eight fetishes and a pair of earrings ship together for just $15.

Oversized Pieces

Large or heavy pieces, such as big pottery, baskets, rugs and framed art, are custom-packed and shipped at actual cost. As a guide, that's anything needing a box larger than 12" × 12" × 12" or weighing over 5 lbs. At checkout, choose Oversized – Shipping Invoiced Separately and we'll email your shipping invoice, usually within 24 hours. Contact us for an estimate before you buy.

International

International orders are welcome! We quote international shipping separately and invoice the actual postage after purchase. Contact us beforehand if you'd like an estimate.