Pueblo Cross Necklace with Spiderweb Turquoise [SOLD]

Pueblo stories and myths serve a similar function in Pueblo culture as Greek and Roman myths do in Western European society. Stories are enjoyable, but also are serious ways of passing down important beliefs and value lessons to the younger members of a culture group. One of the best-known stories of Zuni Pueblo is that of the Dragonfly. In that story a boy and his baby sister are left behind by villagers who leave after a poor harvest caused by the people’s disrespect for the Corn Maidens. The boy makes a toy dragonfly for his frightened sister, which comes to life and helps the children gain the blessings of the Corn Maidens. It is a story that emphasizes the importance of gratitude and respect of the blessings of nature. A symbol of summer rains, the dragonfly represents the abundance of life.

The origin of the dragonfly shape, or cross, with one or two horizontal bars on a vertical line certainly predates the arrival of the Spanish and has always been an important symbol in Southwestern culture. Cross or dragonfly forms appear on prehistoric pottery and basketry as well as jewelry. Since the Pueblo people were already accustomed to using the cross design they easily adapted the use of Christian design in silver jewelry and pottery. This was probably not a sign of their acceptance of the priest’s theology, but rather a continuation of use of an old and revered image.

Both double-bar cross and single-bar cross necklaces became extremely popular with the Pueblo people in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and still, today, the cross necklace remains a favorite.

This finely made necklace is a testament to the enduring allure of the style. Made in the last quarter of the 20th century, it contains six small and one large sand cast crosses, each with a beautiful piece of spiderweb turquoise. The crosses are placed on a necklace consisting of meticulously formed handmade silver beads and shell heishi. Silver cones form the clasp on either end. Although the necklace is unsigned, it is apparent the artist was very talented, it is extremely well-made, with a beautiful symmetry and unique simplicity.

The use of heishe on the necklace is a strong indication that it was made at Santo Domingo Pueblo, and it appears to be from the 1980s.

Condition: the Pueblo Cross Necklace with Spiderweb Turquoise is is in excellent condition

Provenance: from a Colorado Collection

Recommended Reading: The Boy Who Made Dragonfly by Tony Hillerman, Heart of the Dragonfly by Allison Bird