Chinese Peking Glass Bead and Guatemalan Real Coin Chacal Necklace

A necklace made from white Peking glass beads and Guatemalan Reals that has age. The coin dates are from between 1901 and 1925.
 
A string of white glass beads and Guatemalan Reals has been strung on a cotton thread. The white glass beads are plain with some manufacture flaws. There are two unusual beads with crosses molded in. The Guatemalan Reals vary from 1901 to 1925 in date. There are 10 coins that vary in size and 110 glass beads. Most of the coins alternated between 1 and ½ Real, but there is also a copper 1 cent de Quetzal from 1925. At the top there is a knot with 10 beads on either side. 
 
The history of Guatemalan chacal necklaces (chacales), is interesting. The word "chacal" is Quiche for "necklace" and there is a long tradition of chacales in Guatemala. At the time of the Spanish Conquest in Guatemala, the indigenous people valued red coral and included it in necklaces. However, as the easily accessible near-shore coral became scarce, clever traders created substitutes such as beads, and introduced them to Guatemala as trade goods. These substitutes were often red, although not always, to cater to the preferences of both local and foreign markets. Over time, different regions of Guatemala adopted distinct colors of beads. Given that coral and subsequently beads symbolized wealth and status, coins were also incorporated into Guatemalan indigenous chachales as a visual display of affluence.
 
MEASUREMENTS
 
27 in (68.6 cm) long. Hangs 13 ½ in (34.3 cm). Weighs 2.7 oz (75 g)
 
CONDITION
 
There are no cracks, chips, or broken beads. The coins have holes drilled in order to be strung. They also were circulated before being incorporated into the necklace and so are worn. A few coins are a little bent where the hole was punched to string on the necklace.
 
A great antique necklace to add to a collection or wear.