Kewa Sterling Silver and Wild Horse Stone Necklace with Pendant [SOLD]

Kewa Pueblo artists Joe and LeJeune Chavez used Wild Horse Stone beads which they carefully cut and shaped to create a two-strand necklace on which a pendant containing a large triangular piece of the unique stone is surrounded by a silver geometric frame. Wild Horse is the name given to the stone, whose geological name is magnesite. It has a white background with a reddish-brown deep matrix.  It was discovered in the mid-90s near the Globe copper mine in the Gila wilderness area of southern Arizona and only is found there. Joe and his wife LeJeune applied their skills as jewelry makers to highlight the distinctive beauty of the Wild Horse Stone. 

In Greg Schaaf’s book American Indian Jewelry, he writes:

“Kewa jewelry artist Joe Chavez began developing his craft over forty years ago. While polishing his father’s silver work, he began to develop his own approach to working the metal. His design style evolved from the traditional Mimbres patterns associated with the southern pueblos to what he calls “pueblo geometric” designs of animal and water motifs, including his emblem design, the water bird. Joe learned from his grandmothers, both potters, the traditional Kewa Pueblo designs that he incorporates into his pieces. ‘Through my work I feel I can bridge the time between my ancestors and myself,’ Joe commented.” 

This unique necklace comes from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin. The couple traveled around the country attending fairs and museum exhibits as well as visiting artists in their homes. They kept detailed records of their purchases. Records indicate that they purchased the necklace from the artists in 2005. The pendant is signed with the couple's hallmark, the initials JLC arranged in a geometric pattern.

Condition: the necklace is in excellent condition. 

Provenance: this Kewa Sterling Silver and Wild Horse Stone Necklace with Pendant is from the estate of Marvin and Betty Rubin

Reference: American Indian Jewelry II: A-L 1,800 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf

Relative Links: Southwest Indian Jewelry, KEWA, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Joe and LeJeune Chavez, Kewa Pueblo Jewelry