Traditional Brown Shell Heishi Necklace [R]

This 4-strand shell Heishi necklace displays the exquisite talent of the artisans of the Rio Grande pueblos in creating beautiful necklaces from seashells. The shell is sawed into strips; the strips are then cut into small squares. The squares are drilled, strung on cotton string, and sanded into smooth rounded shapes.

In this necklace, the individual strings have been banded together to form a single, striking necklace. They have been secured together in what is referred to as a “pueblo wrap.”

This necklace was evidently made for wear by a puebloan, as evidenced by the single nugget of turquoise tied at the area that would be behind the neck of the wearer. Makers of necklaces such as this do not add these subtle nuances to pieces destined for sale.