Some type of bead for necklace?

This is a clay type of bead I think but no idea of where it may have come from. It is 7/8" in diameter. I am pretty sure it is Native American. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

which native american tribes would have made clay beads..?

 

I’m pretty sure it isn’t. Believe it’s a whorl bead. Ecuador maybe? Latin American at any rate. Wait for @Taupou @Any Jewelry others.

 

It looks a little like this one....... http://ancientpoint.com/inf/164759-south_america_chimu_spindle_whorl_bead_etched_peru_ancient.html

 

Yes they’re made all through Latin America dating to precolumbian times. I have about 6 of them which I wear on a cord. Mine were sold to me as from Ecuador. No clue if reproductions are made as mine were from a trusted and known dealer of mesoamerica.

 

I have several as well.
I would say this one is indeed Chimú, like the one Holly found. Chimú is a later stage of the Moche culture from the Peruvian northcoast. Most Chimú pottery is black, whereas older Moche (Mochica) pottery is beautifully painted, mostly in earth tones.

 

Thank you AJ, reader and Hollyblue for all your insights. Much appreciated. My Mom left me a handful of "pre-Columbian" pieces and I would love to try to authenticate them. Any tips on someone in the Southern California area that might be able to help with this? Thanks!

 

No clue but you could contact the auction houses like Heritage and ask if they can refer you.