Santa Domingo heishi necklace

 VINTAGE SANTA DOMINGO HEISHE NECKLACE

Vintage 1970's Santa Domingo necklace. Measuring 22" with a 5" Jacla. Genuine pin shell, turquoise, coral and white shell. The traditionally styled necklace has a raw feel to it. The hand cut stones and shells are typical of crafts from this era. An excellent example of a Santa Domingo Heishi necklace.

 Santa Domingo heshi : The literal meaning of heishi is "shell" and specifically refers to pieces of shell which have been drilled and ground into beads and then strung into necklaces. More and more frequently, however, heishi (pronounced hee-shee) has come to refer to hand-made tiny beads made of any natural material. The origin of heishi is fascinating indeed and is inescapably linked to the ancient history of the people most proficient in its making, the Santo Domingo, and San Felipe Pueblo Indians. It is safe to say that this is the oldest form of jewelry in New Mexico (and perhaps in North America)