Trade Route Beaded Necklace with Fossilized Ivory Hummingbird Carvings [SOLD]

This necklace, made by Robert Kaniatobe (1936-1998), was designed by his wife, Kristen Kaniatobe.  It was titled by them Rainbow Web Fetish Necklace “Dream Time.”  The contents of the three strands of the necklace are hummingbird fetishes carved from 1,000- to 2,000-year-old fossil walrus ivory.  The beads are mostly antique glass Venetian and miscellaneous antique trade beads, including feather glass—1700s to 1800s; “eye” beads—1800s; early molded glass—1600s; Peking glass—1920s; lavender with coppery swirl Occupied Japan; small white “pony” beads—1800s; milk glass—1600s to 1700s; carved rose quartz, clay, ancient hand carved agate, shell, bone, brass, copper and sterling silver, including handmade Navajo—1920s; the rings used symbolizing continuity in the universe.

Commentary: Robert and his wife, Kristen, shared the building with Adobe Gallery in Old Town, Albuquerque, for several years, perhaps from around 1980 to 1990. They had the three rooms on the south end of the building and called their gallery The Iron Horse. Perhaps some of you remember them.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: from the collection of a resident of California.

Recommended Reading: The Four Winds Guide to Indian Trade Goods and Replicas by Miller and Corey (one copy available from Adobe Gallery)