During the 1920s and 1930s, when the Depression-era was hitting the New
Mexico Pueblo Indians hard, the (Kewa) Santo Domingo Pueblo
Indians became very resourceful and began producing jewelry from whatever
material they could find. One particular folk art creation they produced has
become a very collectible item: the Depression-era necklace.
This necklace was made from several “found materials.” The beads were most commonly made from bone, with the black backing from the thick RCA Victor
records or sometimes automotive battery casings, the red from toothbrush handles, Dairy Queen spoons or
something similar, and the turquoise chips always being genuine. They were most often in the
squash blossom style, with tabs protruding from the sides and a bird
pendant at the bottom. The bird measures 2 7/8" long by 2 1/2" wide, with the overall necklace measuring 34" long including a 5 1/2" leather at the back of the necklace. The earrings measure 1 1/4" long by 1" wide and are on silver screw back wires.
This one is typical of the style and offers matching earrings. It is in excellent condition.
