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10 antique sheep herder bells w/ Venetian trade beads
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10 antique sheep herder bells w/ Venetian trade beads
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This is a beautiful and unusual set of ten small metal sheep bells that have been knotted on a light cotton twine and interspersed with antique hand blown Venetian glass Indian trade beads. You're getting them as they came to me, I didn't put this set together but I can provide some history on this charming item. Before Wyoming became a state, it was the place legends were made of. The Wild West truly existed The Territory, with it's sweet and nourishing grasses brought sheepherders and cattlemen from all over the world. The cattlemen came from Texas and Oklahoma: many of the sheepherders were Basques and other Eastern Americans that sought to raise their herds T's hardly a person out t that hasn't heard of the 'cattlemen v.s. sheepherders' wars and conflicts of Johnson County. Many legendary books and movies have retold the story. This set of 10 bells tell the tale of the sheepherder's side. They came to America to raise their flocks and lived in Sheepwagons year round in the shadow of the Rocky mountains in the Big Horn range. This was an area of great conflict. Not only did the sheepherders have to contend with the cattlemen, but Native American Indians were also constantly warring and pillaging the White men. From this settlement area the Battle Ground of the Little Big Horn, Custer's Last Stand, is within 100 miles. Butch Cassidy's famous "Hole in the Wall" is in this County. The Oregon Trail and the Bozeman Trail are also part of this area. You're really looking at a lot more than a string of bells and beads. It's a piece of American History. The beautiful glass beads are all hand made and primarily in shades green. Some are opaque light green, some are white, somer are smoky-black, others are dark green and even more are lime green colored glass. Natives would trade goods for these beads and I don't think it would be a stretch to think that the maker of this set had a large amount of beads on hand with which to trade for needed items. They're strung in sets, mostly in four's although t are two sets of three in the same spot. I can only surmise the two missing beads were lost a long time ago. T are 9 sets of beads so that makes approximately 180 beads, although some are still fused together as when made in the winding (?) technique. The bells are various sizes but are all small, ranging from 1 1/2" to 1 7/8" in length. All the bells have clappers and sound absolutely gorgeous! A beautiful tinkly sound. One of the end bells has been flattened somewhat. All have even patination and they are primative in design. I don't know what they are made of, possibly steel or tin as they have surface rust. Total length is approx 38". I can't help but think this set hung on one of those Sheepwagons for years, through hot summers and frigid winters, blowing in that well-known Wyoming Wind! Sometimes it must have been the only sound a lonely sheepherder heard. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any comments, questions or concerns about this item. I've had these bells in my home for years and have always enjoyed their sound and love the beads colors! Payment, Shipping and Guarantee: Paypal, Money Orders and Cashier's Checks are welcome. Sorry, no personal checks. I strive to describe items as accurately as possible but on a rare occasion, I might inadvertantly overlook damage. Unless this is an "as-is" item, returns or refunds will be arranged. Other returns less shipping, are granted only if item has been grossly mis-represented. Handling fees are charged thus: 25 cents for domestic shipping, 50 cents for International. That covers my acid free paper, bubble wrap, tape, and gas to get your item to the Post Office.
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