Mid 20th Century Shell, Turquoise, Serpentine, and Jasper Heishi Bead Necklace by Santo Domingo Pueblo Artisans

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Santo Domingo Pueblo (now known as Kewa Pueblo) in New Mexico has been renowned for centuries as a center of … Read more Santo Domingo Pueblo (now known as Kewa Pueblo) in New Mexico has been renowned for centuries as a center of exceptional heishi bead-making. The term 'heishi' comes from the Santo Domingo word for shell, and these artisans perfected the technique of hand-drilling, grinding, and polishing small shell and stone discs into uniform beads. This tradition dates back over a thousand years and represents one of the oldest forms of jewelry-making in North America.
This necklace consists of slightly graduated beads of jasper, shell, onyx, green serpentine and vibrant clean powdered blue turqoise. The item is vintage, with older sterling hook clasp. See less