Featured Origin, Age of Cowrie Shell and Black Bead Collar

Where is this from and what is its significance?
The shells and beads are mounted on a rough leather backing. The shells are sewn on with the fibrous 'thread' you see on the back. The beads are strung on fine wires which are then attached to the backing with the same fibrous thread. The outside dimension is 9" not including the beaded triangles at the sides. The neck hole is 5" across.
I found a similar piece on Etsy which used the vague description of 'Ethnogaphic African' - it only had 2 rows of Cowrie shells.

 

yup, I'd look towards Africa,
a nice tourist item.
without too much age..

 

It's from Kenya, a Maasai beaded wedding neck piece, missing the strands of beads that are usually attached to the square tab, and hang down in front.

As Komo said, fairly recent tourist item, but "authentic," in style and construction.

 

There is a tab of beads extending out from each side of the square piece. Would that be the equivalent?

 

There are usually strings of beads that hang down, maybe a foot-and-a-half or two feet. I haven't seen the little beaded wires on the sides of the tab before. Maybe it's a "new style,"
or just the maker adding her own creativity.