Navajo Necklace with Ancient French/African Trade Beads and Hand Cast Ethiopian Coptic Cross

Description Artist: Unknown Style: Necklace with Pendant Pueblo: Navajo (Diné) Period: Beads are Primitive (1919 & Earlier). Date it was assembled is unknown. Materials: French/African Trade Beads and a Brass Coptic Cross Length: 26,5″ Item #3096 Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Good condition. The striking centerpiece of this necklace is a vintage Ethiopian Coptic cross. Traditionally crafted using the ancient lost-wax casting method, every cross is entirely unique. This particular pendant features intricate, hand-tooled geometric patterns that beautifully reflect its East African heritage. Complementing the brass-toned cross is a vibrant, highly collectible strand of Ancient African Trade Beads. These glass beads were historically traded extensively throughout the African continent. The colorful sequence features highly sought-after Venetian Chevron beads—identifiable by their distinct blue, white, and red zigzag layers—alongside vibrant yellow “padre” beads, multicolored striped wound glass, and earthy, elongated tubular beads. This necklace brilliantly unites centuries-old European glassmaking with traditional African metalwork. It is a spectacular find for collectors of ethnographic jewelry, antique trade beads, or anyone seeking a truly unique, conversation-starting centerpiece for their wardrobe.