Santo Domingo Pueblo Heishi and Turquoise Necklace

Late 20th Century

34" L with 17" Total Drop

Hand Crafted with 20 Strand of Heishi and Turquoise with Sterling Silver Cones and Silver Chain with Hook and Eye Enclosure

In Very Good Condition

A Santo Domingo Heishi and Turquoise Necklace is a traditional piece of jewelry crafted by artisans from the Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo, located 25 miles southwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Known for their exceptional bead-making skills, Santo Domingo artists create heishi beads—small, thin, disc-shaped beads typically made from turquoise, shell, or coral. The term "heishi" means "shell" in the Santo Domingo language, and these beads are meticulously hand-cut, drilled, and polished to create smooth, uniform strands, often without gaps to maintain a seamless pattern.

These necklaces often feature vibrant turquoise stones, sometimes combined with materials like spiny oyster shell, onyx, coral, or mother of pearl. They may include multiple strands (ranging from single to over ten strands), jacla pendants (looped extensions often at the necklace's bottom), or sterling silver elements like cones or clasps. The craftsmanship reflects centuries-old traditions, with some pieces incorporating uneven stones for a textured look or mosaic inlay designs, such as the iconic thunderbird motif.