Depression Era Jewelry

During the 1920s and 1930s, when the Depression-era was in full swing, New Mexico Pueblo Indians were severely affected. At Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo, the 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. These pieces became known as Depression-era Jewelry made from several “found materials.” The beads were generally made from bone, the black backing was from the thick RCA Victor records or automotive battery casings, the red from toothbrush handles or something similar, and the turquoise was genuine. Depression-era Jewelry is becoming very difficult to find.