Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Santo Domingo (Kewa) Turquoise, Jet, and Shell Necklace with Pendant

$215

Artist: Unknown
Style: Necklace
Pueblo: Santo Domingo (Kewa)
Period: Contemporary
Materials: Santo Domingo Turquoise, Jet, Shell, and Sterling Silver
Length: 20″
Item #2966

Categories: , ,

In stock

Description

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

Centering a bold, geometric presence, this handcrafted Kewa (Santo Domingo) necklace features a striking “tab” pendant as its focal point. The pendant showcases a masterful mosaic of deep black jet, vibrant blue turquoise, and shimmering white shell, all hand-cut and polished into a seamless, high-contrast surface. This centerpiece is suspended from a single strand of hand-ground turquoise and shell heishi beads, creating a rhythmic and balanced silhouette that rests comfortably against the neckline. Every element of the pendant and the strand is shaped by hand, reflecting a meticulous dedication to traditional Pueblo stone-cutting.

The “tab” necklace is one of the most iconic and historically significant forms of jewelry within the Kewa Pueblo. These flat, pendant-style pieces were traditionally worn during ceremonial dances and social gatherings, symbolizing the wearer’s prayers for rain, prosperity, and a connection to the ancestors. Kewa artisans are renowned for their ability to take raw materials like jet and shell and transform them into refined, geometric art through hours of patient grinding and polishing. This necklace serves as a beautiful bridge between these ancient cultural roots and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that complements any collection.

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.