Kewa Three Strand Turquoise and Shell Hieshe Necklace [SOLD]

Hieshe (pronounced "hee shee”) are small disc- or tube-shaped beads made of organic shells or ground and polished stones. They come from the Kewa Pueblo people (formerly Santo Domingo Pueblo) of New Mexico, before the use of metals in jewelry by that people. The name is the word for shell bead in the Eastern Keresan language of the Santo Domingo Indians. The beads are hand-chipped, with holes drilled through their centers.  The process is time consuming and tedious.

This three-strand necklace has olive shell, melon shell and turquoise beads. Each bead was cut and rounded and then evenly strung. The three colors, brown, cream and turquoise, create a pleasing effect.  The three strands come together at silver cones and hand-made silver beads at the ends.

Condition: The hieshe beads are in excellent condition, the necklace is still tight and hangs evenly.

Provenance: The Kewa Three Strand Turquoise and Shell Hieshe Necklace was purchased by the current owner in 1968 under the portal in Santa Fe.

Recommended Reading: Ray Manley's Collecting Southwestern Indian Arts & Crafts by Ray Manley