Dominican Republic, Shell Dagger from the Estate of Fred Olsen
This dagger is illustrated in ON THE TRAIL OF THE ARAWAKS by Fred Olsen, p.192. Olsen explains that "repeated handling shows that the object best fits the hand as a dagger, with the index finger placed over the protuberance to guide a powerful down stroke." He also states that it was cut from the lip of a conch shell and finished with a sharp point. The dagger resembles the form of an abstract animal, likely the anteater (Tamandua T. tetradactyla), which is found on Antigua. Fred Olsen collection, by descent to his grandson prior to 1967.
Period: St Johns, Antigua c. AD 900-1300
Media: Shell
Dimensions: Length: 9"
$5,750
n9028
Dominican Republic, Taino Carved Shell Bat Deity Amulet
This bat deity amulet features a stylized human figure with bat-like features, such as large ears and a pug nose. There are two suspension holes below each ear. This amulet was likely originally the central bead on a larger beaded necklace.
Period: Dominican Republic, Taino, c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Shell
Dimensions: Height: 1 1/2"
$2,250
98149
Dominican Republic, Taino Necklace Composed of Operla Snail Shells
These cone snail (gastropoda Conidae) shells were by the ancient Taino as beads and would have been worn on necklaces by people of high wealth and status. The beads are ancient, but this necklace is modern assembled, with a design that resembles an ancient necklace.
Period: Dominican Republic, Taino, c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Shell
Dimensions: Length: 21"
$3,200
99376
