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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. These necklaces were made from several “found materials.” The beads were most commonly made from bone, with the black backing and beads 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.
This amazing necklace is just a bit different and a rare find. It has eagle tail tabs and a beautiful Naja, rather than the more common bird pendant. The deep, rich colors of greens and blue turquoise are just beautiful. The black round beads and the heshi appear to be of the same material and both original to the necklace. C: 1920's. The Naja measures 2 1/2" long by 2 1/4" wide, with the overall necklace measuring 27 1/2" long. It is in excellent condition.
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