Adobe Gallery Blog

This necklace was made from several "found materials." The beads were made from bone, the black backing probably from automotive battery casing, the red from toothbrush handles or something similar, 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.

Most necklaces of this style have a pendant bird in the shape of the mythical thunderbird, a squared-off bird facing full forward. This necklace features a more realistic Kewa-style bird as seen on that pueblo's pottery-a much rarer style of pendant.

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 materials 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.

Condition: very good condition
Provenance: from the personal collection of Margaret Gutierrez of Santa Clara Pueblo
Recommended Reading (Article): 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

Subject: Kewa (Santo Domingo) Depression-era Necklace
Unknown Maker
Category: Necklaces
Origin: Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo)
Medium: found materials, turquoise
Size: 27" long; 2" x 2-1/2" bird
Item # C3371D