61 - 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".

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". Pieces Peter bought over the years at auctions and antique shops because they intrigued him. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The snake vertebrae and seeds show a natural aged yellowish patina. The leather pouch remains supple with minor surface wear. Several mineral specimens exhibit internal fracturing and minor crumbling into a fine gray powder. The stone tool shows surface abrasions and dark mineral streaks consistent with use and age. The paper label on the stone is heavily worn and partially lost. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.