Help Identifying Possible Native American Stone Bead Necklace

[Beanstalk]

I recently purchased this necklace at a local estate sale in East Tennessee. The provenance is unknown. The beads appear to be stone or clay, with drilled holes and a mix of cylindrical, spherical, and disc-shaped pieces.

I’m hoping to get opinions on:

• Whether these beads look consistent with Woodland or Mississippian period beadwork
• Whether the drilling and shaping appear hand-made or modern
• What material they might be made from
• Any cultural or regional clues based on the style


I’m not claiming a specific origin—just trying to learn more about what I have. Any insight from people familiar with Southeastern U.S. artifacts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CreekSide]

Doesn’t look NA could be historic but just not NA.

 

[ToddsPoint]

Looking at the patina, and where patina is rubbed where beads come together, I’d say it fairly old. Very plain and simple materials like you would expect from NA. What is the string made of? Modern looking cotton thread? Sinew? I see what looks like a piece of wire going through a bead. ??
It would be worth having it looked at by an expert. Where you would find a bead expert, I don’t know. Maybe send it to arrowhead authenticator to start with. I think it has a chance at being NA.

 

[pepperj]

It's possible @Geradot would be able to help out in your identification of this strand. He seems very knowledgable in ancient/old beads from around the world.

 

[Beanstalk]

Looking at the patina, and where patina is rubbed where beads come together, I’d say it fairly old. Very plain and simple materials like you would expect from NA. What is the string made of? Modern looking cotton thread? Sinew? I see what looks like a piece of wire going through a bead. ??
It would be worth having it looked at by an expert. Where you would find a bead expert, I don’t know. Maybe send it to arrowhead authenticator to start with. I think it has a chance at being NA.

It appears to be a modern cotton or silk cord.

 

[dirstscratcher]

They don't look like anything I've seen in Ohio. Woodland tube beads are typically cut bird wingbones. Beads are generally flat drilled stone or clay.