Turtle-Shell Ornaments, Aztec or Mixtec (Ñudzavui), A.D. 1200–1521, Mexico. Gold. Each Bead: 1 3/4 × 1 × 1/2 in. (4.5 × 2.5 × 1.3 cm). Necklace length: 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm). Pre-Columbian Collection, Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, D.C. (PC.B.103).

This necklace is composed of rows of cast-gold turtle shells, filigree volutes, and clapperless gold bells, or tinklers. When worn, the bells would have created a dynamic moving, shining, and sonorous fringe that is characteristic of Aztec and Mixtec designs in gold.