Bidspirit auction | 3 Ethnic Artifacts Including Snake

3 Ethnic Artifacts Including Snake Vertebrae Necklace and Stone Grinding Tool - Three distinct ethnographic items comprising a bone necklace, a lithic tool, and a mineral collection. The necklace is constructed from numerous natural snake vertebrae, interspersed with three decorative bead clusters. Each cluster features a central black glass bead flanked by two light-colored, teardrop-shaped natural seeds or stones, all strung on a fine white cord. The hand-held lithic tool is a smooth, water-worn cobble of roughly triangular form with rounded edges, showing linear striations and a central area of dark impact wear on one face consistent with use as a grinding or hammerstone. The third item is a dark brown soft leather drawstring pouch with a scalloped edge and black cord closure, containing various mineral specimens including botryoidal hematite in reddish-brown hues and grayish-green crystalline clusters. Unsigned. Necklace: 11” x 3/8”. Stone: 3 3/4” x 3 1/4”. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.