Plains 3-Tiered Necklace with Bone Claws and Red/White Heart Beads

Plains, Wind River Reservation (Shoshone and Arapaho)

1900 to early 20th century | Item 2033

This is an unusual bear claw type of Plains necklace. The “claws” are bones carved to look like bear claws. The 20 claws are connected to 3 hide strung layers of red with white heart glass beads. These beads come in 3 different sizes, from large to medium and small. Brass beads separate some of the medium sized red beads. Everything is strung on hide strips. There is no clasp, so the necklace fits over the head.