Santo Domingo Pueblo Clam Shell Pendant

ca. 1960

.5" H x 2" L x 2.125" W

Hand Crafted from Sterling Silver on a Clam Shell with Inlay Multistones of Chip Turquoise, 3 Coral, 1 Green and Brown Jasper, 1 Mother of Pearl and a Sterling Silver Triagle and Rim

Excellent Condition

Santo Domingo Pueblo (now officially known as Kewa Pueblo) is renowned for its traditional Native American jewelry, particularly heishi bead necklaces and mosaic inlay work on shell bases. Clam shell pendants are a classic element in their craftsmanship, often using white or ivory clam shell as the foundation for intricate inlays.

Artists overlay or inlay materials like turquoise, coral, jet, mother of pearl, spiny oyster shell, and occasionally silver onto a clam shell (or similar seashell like spiny oyster or scallop) to create beautiful pendants. These are frequently paired with multi-strand heishi necklaces made from hand-rolled and drilled shell beads, turquoise, or other stones.