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Kewa Pueblo Single Strand Nugget Necklace with Jaclas - C3864.48
This Single Strand Nugget Necklace with Jaclas style is the most traditional of all necklaces that we associate with the pueblo people. Long before silver was introduced to them, the pueblos were making necklaces of turquoise, hieshe, shell, coral and other natural materials. This is the style they were wearing when the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century; and this is the style they wear today during their religious and social dances. If one goes to any pueblo feast day plaza dance, it is this style necklace one sees on all the dancers-male and female, adult and child. It possesses powers unrivaled by silver jewelry.
This Santo Domingo Pueblo necklace has the traditional pair of jaclas suspended from the bottom of the necklace. Jaclas were originally made and worn as earrings but eventually were added to the nugget necklaces in the manner shown here. The part of the necklace that is in the back of the neck is wrapped in cotton thread in what is known as a "pueblo wrap." It perhaps was intended to be removed and replaced when it became soiled.