Kewa Pueblo 3 Strand Coral Necklace with Silver and Turquoise Beads and Jaclas [SOLD]

Three strands of highly-polished and naturally-shaped coral beads were strung with miniature silver beads and small turquoise hieshe dispersed throughout the Kewa Pueblo necklace at random locations. The natural coral is a mixture of deep red and tomato red colors, a beautiful way to add excitement in texture and color.  The turquoise and coral both display a beautiful sheen from age.  

A pair of turquoise hieshe jacla is suspended from the bottom of the necklace in true Native fashion—a tradition of both Pueblo and Diné  peoples.  This is the style necklace seen on dancers, guests, and participants in ceremonies of Native cultures.  It is the favored style of necklace.

Ancestral Native Americans collected and used a wide variety of shell, turquoise and stone for their own personal adornment for thousands of years. Therefore, it was no surprise that Mediterranean coral’s deep red color appealed to Native American artists when they were introduced to it. Since that time, coral has been highly regarded by these artists as a desirable material for their own use as well as in jewelry made to sell.

High quality coral has become quite rare over the last century. Coral is not a stone, it is the calcium remnants of sea creatures who live in warm water. It takes years for coral polyps to form, and once they are harvested, they are not easily replaced. Over harvesting, combined with the devastating results of pollution, has led to the scarcity of coral.

The necklace dates from the mid-twentieth century.  It is strung on white nylon thread and the ends are finished in a pueblo wrap.

Condition: this Kewa Pueblo 3 Strand Coral Necklace with Silver and Turquoise Beads and Jaclas is in very good condition and ready to wear

Provenance: from a gentleman collector of Native jewelry

Recommended Reading:  Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by Sarah Peabody and William A. Turnbaugh

Relative Links:  Jewelry Necklace, Southwest Indian Jewelry, Kewa - Santo Domingo Pueblo