Depression-era Kewa Pueblo Necklace with Bird Pendant [SOLD]

During the 1930s when the Depression-era was in full swing, New Mexico Pueblo Indians were severely affected. At Santo Domingo Pueblo (now Kewa Pueblo), the Indians became very resourceful and began producing jewelry from whatever material they could find. One particular folk art creation they produced has become a very collectible item: the Depression-era necklace.  Production continued at a lesser rate into the mid-20th century.

This necklace was made from several "found materials." The beads were made from bone, the black backing probably from automotive battery boxes, the red from plastics, and the turquoise is genuine. These necklaces were usually in the squash blossom style, with pendants protruding from the sides and a bird pendant at the bottom, as is this one. 

Condition:  It is in very good condition.

Provenance: from an Oklahoma resident

Recommended Reading: Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry by Sally and J. Roderick Moore in The Magazine Antiques, Brant Publications, Inc. July 2009, vol. CLXXVI, no. 1. pp. 56-61.