The spiney oyster bivalve (spondylus) is native to the Ecuadorian coasts though the shell was traded, pre European contact, throughout the South American continent and even into the American Southwest (US) for ceremonial and economic purposes. We are mostly familiar with it’s Andean uses in jewelry and other adornments.
In any case this bead could have been part of a necklace or was possibly attached to a textile and/or worn as a belt. The surface has a gorgeous smooth patina and is the classic orange spondylus color. Eat your heart out Hermes! It’s a very chic necklace for a woman or a man with the substantial sterling chain.
One of a kind
Bead: just over 4.25″ long; 11/16″
Chain: 23.5″