Cely Machari (Peruvian Yanesha) Onet - Waters and Sacred Mountains Master Hand-Beaded Amazonian Necklace
This exceptional Onet - Waters and Sacred Mountains necklace is a completely original, entirely hand-crafted work by distinguished Yanesha artisan Cely Machari of Pasco, Peru. Created through patient bead-by-bead construction, the necklace transforms the landscape and spiritual symbolism of the Yanesha world into an imposing piece of wearable Indigenous Amazonian art.
According to the artist, Onet represents water and mountains. The broad upper section is composed of repeating turquoise and black triangular forms whose rising and descending lines evoke mountain peaks, valleys, and the movement of water through the landscape. White accents illuminate the composition and create a strong visual contrast across the collar.
Below the geometric body, a delicate openwork band of white glass beads gives way to a rhythmic fringe of turquoise and black strands. Each suspended element is completed with a natural lagrima de virgen seed, whose smooth gray and marbled surfaces provide an elegant organic counterpoint to the brilliance of the glass beadwork.
Within the meaning communicated by the artist, these hanging seeds symbolize transparency, purity, and life. Their tear-like form recalls drops of water descending from the mountains, strengthening the relationship between the necklace's materials, visual structure, and symbolic narrative.
The turquoise palette suggests clear water and open skies, while the black, white, and natural gray elements bring balance and depth to the design. The repeated peaks create an architectural rhythm across the neckline, and the softly moving fringe gives the necklace a striking ceremonial presence when worn.
Every bead and seed has been individually selected, arranged, and joined by hand. The controlled symmetry, detailed openwork, and gradual adjustment of the hanging elements reveal the considerable patience and technical knowledge required for its creation. No two examples can be completely identical, making this necklace an original and unique expression of Yanesha craftsmanship.
At once jewelry, cultural narrative, and sculptural textile art, this necklace would make an exceptional statement piece for a discerning collector. Its bold silhouette and refined craftsmanship allow it to be appreciated both as wearable art and as an important decorative object when professionally displayed.
ARTIST
Cely Machari is a distinguished Yanesha master artisan from the Pasco region of Peru. Her practice contributes to the preservation and transmission of the artistic knowledge of her community through beadwork, textile painting, traditional imagery, and designs inspired by the plants, waters, mountains, and cultural memory of the Yanesha people.
Her works connect ancestral symbolism with sophisticated contemporary presentation, transforming elements of the Amazonian environment into original pieces that celebrate Indigenous identity, women's creativity, and the continuity of living cultural traditions.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist in Peru for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This necklace is a completely original and individually hand-crafted creation by Cely Machari and was acquired directly from the artist.
A Certificate of Authenticity issued directly by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUE
Turquoise, black, and white glass seed beads, entirely assembled and woven by hand, with suspended natural lagrima de virgen seeds. The decorative structure is individually constructed without machine production.
DIMENSIONS
Traditional wearable necklace size.
Designed to rest broadly across the neckline and upper chest.
Exact circumference was not provided.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist in Peru by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its ongoing effort to present exceptional examples of Indigenous Amazonian craftsmanship. Distinguished by its mountain-like geometry, water symbolism, natural seed fringe, and dramatic turquoise palette, this original necklace is among the most visually commanding examples of contemporary Yanesha wearable art.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. The original glass beadwork, natural seed pendants, woven connections, and hanging fringe remain beautifully preserved, with no visible losses or significant damage.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
This exceptional Onet - Waters and Sacred Mountains necklace is a completely original, entirely hand-crafted work by distinguished Yanesha artisan Cely Machari of Pasco, Peru. Created through patient bead-by-bead construction, the necklace transforms the landscape and spiritual symbolism of the Yanesha world into an imposing piece of wearable Indigenous Amazonian art.
According to the artist, Onet represents water and mountains. The broad upper section is composed of repeating turquoise and black triangular forms whose rising and descending lines evoke mountain peaks, valleys, and the movement of water through the landscape. White accents illuminate the composition and create a strong visual contrast across the collar.
Below the geometric body, a delicate openwork band of white glass beads gives way to a rhythmic fringe of turquoise and black strands. Each suspended element is completed with a natural lagrima de virgen seed, whose smooth gray and marbled surfaces provide an elegant organic counterpoint to the brilliance of the glass beadwork.
Within the meaning communicated by the artist, these hanging seeds symbolize transparency, purity, and life. Their tear-like form recalls drops of water descending from the mountains, strengthening the relationship between the necklace's materials, visual structure, and symbolic narrative.
The turquoise palette suggests clear water and open skies, while the black, white, and natural gray elements bring balance and depth to the design. The repeated peaks create an architectural rhythm across the neckline, and the softly moving fringe gives the necklace a striking ceremonial presence when worn.
Every bead and seed has been individually selected, arranged, and joined by hand. The controlled symmetry, detailed openwork, and gradual adjustment of the hanging elements reveal the considerable patience and technical knowledge required for its creation. No two examples can be completely identical, making this necklace an original and unique expression of Yanesha craftsmanship.
At once jewelry, cultural narrative, and sculptural textile art, this necklace would make an exceptional statement piece for a discerning collector. Its bold silhouette and refined craftsmanship allow it to be appreciated both as wearable art and as an important decorative object when professionally displayed.
ARTIST
Cely Machari is a distinguished Yanesha master artisan from the Pasco region of Peru. Her practice contributes to the preservation and transmission of the artistic knowledge of her community through beadwork, textile painting, traditional imagery, and designs inspired by the plants, waters, mountains, and cultural memory of the Yanesha people.
Her works connect ancestral symbolism with sophisticated contemporary presentation, transforming elements of the Amazonian environment into original pieces that celebrate Indigenous identity, women's creativity, and the continuity of living cultural traditions.
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist in Peru for Gallery Arts & Auctions Co.
AUTHENTICITY
This necklace is a completely original and individually hand-crafted creation by Cely Machari and was acquired directly from the artist.
A Certificate of Authenticity issued directly by the artist may be provided upon request, when available.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUE
Turquoise, black, and white glass seed beads, entirely assembled and woven by hand, with suspended natural lagrima de virgen seeds. The decorative structure is individually constructed without machine production.
DIMENSIONS
Traditional wearable necklace size.
Designed to rest broadly across the neckline and upper chest.
Exact circumference was not provided.
COLLECTION NOTE
Carefully selected directly from the artist in Peru by Gallery Arts & Auctions Co. as part of its ongoing effort to present exceptional examples of Indigenous Amazonian craftsmanship. Distinguished by its mountain-like geometry, water symbolism, natural seed fringe, and dramatic turquoise palette, this original necklace is among the most visually commanding examples of contemporary Yanesha wearable art.
Condition
Excellent overall condition. The original glass beadwork, natural seed pendants, woven connections, and hanging fringe remain beautifully preserved, with no visible losses or significant damage.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
