Kewa Pueblo Depression Era Necklace [SOLD]

During the 1930s when the Depression-era was in full swing, New Mexico Pueblo Indians were severely affected. At Santo Domingo Pueblo (now Kewa 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: the Depression-era necklace.  Production continued at a lesser rate into the mid-20^th century.

This necklace was made from several "found materials." The beads were made from bone, the black backing probably from automotive battery boxes, the red from toothbrush handles or something similar, and the turquoise is genuine. These necklaces were usually in the squash blossom style, with pendants protruding from the sides and a bird pendant at the bottom, as is this one.

When we acquired this one, it came with two triangular shaped pendants that could easily be converted to earrings.  They are included with the purchase of the necklace.

Condition:  It is in very good condition.

Provenance: from a Santa Fe resident

Recommended Exhibit:  A current exhibit of an extremely large quantity of these necklaces is at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe.  It is highly recommended as a source to learn more about this wonderful period of pueblo ingenuity.

Recommended Reading: Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry by Sally and J. Roderick Moore in The Magazine Antiques, Brant Publications, Inc. July 2009, vol. CLXXVI, no. 1. pp. 56-61.