The Necklace of Kilquato was found in a secret niche in a stone archway near the lair of a crocodile cult in the Brazilian Amazon in 1937. The cult’s power was derived from the Eye of Kilquato, a magical gem that granted the ability to command certain species of reptiles (most notably crocodiles).
The Wardens recovered the necklace, and brought it back to New York City where it entered their private collection. The Eye was given over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The artifact was examined by Sir Sebastian Styles, a member of the London Royal Society and a researcher attached to the Met. He found it moderately interesting, as the necklace appears to be of pre-Columbian manufacture. However, closer examination reveals that the teeth that comprise it were harvested in the last few years. This makes it an interesting cultural artifact, but not much of a historical find.
Styles speculated that it might have been associated with rituals relating to increased vigor, strength, and toughness. Of course, this was all mystical mumbo jumbo; he assured the Wardens it was nothing more than a trinket.
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- Feature photo credit: Cuscus Tooth Necklace. Artist unidentified. Alcheringa Gallery.