Diné (Navajo) 10-strand Coral Necklace [SOLD]

Coral was introduced to the Southwest by the Spaniards but was not used extensively until the late 1930s, when traders imported it to Zuni Pueblo. Most coral used in the Southwest came from the Mediterranean. Both Pueblo and Navajo artisans have worked with coral. This necklace is most likely of Navajo origin because of the handmade silver beads.

The ten-strand necklace is comprised of tubular somewhat smooth beads of coral with interspersed handmade small silver beads and turquoise hieshe beads. The color of the coral is orange. Coral can no longer be mined as it has been classified as endangered. There is no restriction on selling older coral items.

Condition:  The necklace has recently been re-strung so it is secure and ready to wear.

Provenance: ex. coll. Florida gentleman

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment from Prehistory to the Present by Lois Sherr Dubin