Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo Three-strand Coral Necklace [SOLD]

This three strand coral necklace is comprised of short tubular drilled coral strung on nylon string and capped at the ends with silver cones and handmade silver clasp.  The salmon-colored coral sections are in natural shape, meaning they are beautifully irregular in size and smoothness, highlighting the natural state of coral.

There is always a question as to the origin of the coral and the origin of the maker of this style necklace.  Coral generally came from trade with Mexico Indians and California Indians, but, of course, in the 20^th century, most coral was purchased from distributors of such.  Necklaces of this style have traditionally been made by Navajo and Pueblo jewelers and it is difficult to distinguish between works by the two.  We have chosen to attribute this to Kewa Pueblo but it is arguably true that it could be Navajo.

Coral is now endangered and can no longer be purchased for making jewelry but older existing items of coral can still be sold.  It may not be too long before there is no coral jewelry available, as existing items are collected and no new jewelry items with coral are produced. 

Recommended Reading: North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to the Present [CONCISE] by Margaret Dubin

Condition: original condition

Provenance:  from an Albuquerque estate