Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Vintage Santo Domingo (Kewa) Turquoise and Shell Necklace

$595

Artist: Unknown
Style: Necklace
Pueblo: Santo Domingo (Kewa)
Period: Vintage (1960-1990)
Materials: Turquoise and Shell
Length: 33″
Item #2949

Categories: , ,

In stock

Description

Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent vintage condition.

Embrace the rustic charm of the Southwest with this authentic vintage Santo Domingo (Kewa) multi-strand necklace. This piece features a vibrant collection of natural turquoise chunks, showcasing a breathtaking range of colors from soft seafoam green to deep sky blue, each with its own unique earthy matrix. These turquoise focal points are expertly strung alongside fine, hand-cut white shell heishi beads that provide a clean, bright contrast. The necklace is finished with traditional hand-wrapped “squaw wrap” cotton cording at the neckline, ensuring a comfortable, historical fit that highlights the raw beauty of the natural materials.

The Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa) is legendary for its long history of bead-making, a craft that predates European contact and has been perfected over countless generations. This specific style of necklace, utilizing hand-ground shell and raw turquoise nuggets, is a hallmark of Kewa artistry, representing a deep cultural connection to the land and the sky. In the Pueblo tradition, turquoise is a sacred stone of protection and life, while shell represents the precious gift of water. Authentic vintage pieces like this are highly sought after by collectors for their organic aesthetic, their impressive weight, and their role as a central pillar of Native American jewelry history.

About the Pueblo

The Santo Domingo Pueblo, also known as Kewa, is a Native American community located in northern New Mexico, near the Rio Grande River. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the pueblo has a history that spans over 1,000 years. The Santo Domingo people are famous for their intricate pottery, vibrant textiles, and unique turquoise and silver jewelry. Their artisans are particularly renowned for creating striking mosaic-style jewelry using tiny pieces of turquoise, coral, and shell. The Santo Domingo Pueblo maintains strong traditions and a deep connection to their ancestral lands, with a focus on community, spirituality, and preserving their culture.