Necklace c. 20th century

This necklace, by an anonymous artist, features green, orange, and white beads interspersed across three strands. It is on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. I can just imagine the hands that created this, carefully selecting each bead, stringing them together, and feeling the weight and texture of the materials. What were they thinking when they made it? The varying colors remind me of looking at the landscape. Do you see it too? All those little pieces of shell and stone create a rhythm, like a musical score or the rise and fall of hills. Each bead is like a brushstroke. It’s so interesting how simple materials can come together to create such an appealing artwork. I can imagine that person inspiring other artists by just doing their thing. I love that idea, it gives me the shivers.