Vintage Beaded Multi-Tone Choker Necklace

This handcrafted piece is a Native American multi-strand choker, characterized by the use of hairpipe beads traditionally made from buffalo bone and/or horn. These chokers historically served as protective neckwear in battle and have a long tribal history. Hairpipe Beads are long, tube-like beads made from white buffalo bone, antiqued bone, black buffalo horn, or amber-colored cow horn. The red accent beads are small, round beads often made from red glass, jasper, or burgundy stone to provide color contrast. The clear beads situated between the rows of burgundy and cream hairpipes are transparent glass crow beads (also widely referred to as pony beads or trade beads). These historically represent the glass beads brought to North America by European traders starting in the 16th and 17th centuries, which quickly became integrated into Native American jewelry and regalia. In the context of tribal-style crafts, crow beads typically refer to slightly larger glass rollers (around 6mm to 9mm) used as row separators, while pony beads usually refer to slightly smaller versions. They serve as transparent glass spacers designed to catch the light, creating a break between the solid, opaque colors of the bone, horn, and wood elements. Strands are typically separated by leather or wooden spacers and secured with genuine leather ties in colors like black or buckskin. Casual boho vibe. Measurements shown in photos. In excellent condition. Smoke free home.