Necklace Bead
n.d.
Medium
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Classification
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.264.12
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection decorative arts, this enigmatic *Necklace Bead* stands as a testament to the artistry of everyday adornment. Crafted by unidentified maker and undated, it exemplifies the jewelry category, where small-scale objects often reveal profound craftsmanship. Donated as part of the generous gift from John Gellatly—a collector of American decorative arts—this single bead invites us to ponder its origins in a broader tradition of personal ornamentation. Jewelry like this bead played a vital role in American cultural life, serving as both funct...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –