Santo Domingo Pueblo Three Strand Heishi Necklace

Late 20th Century

15" L

Hand Crafted from Heishi, Jet and 1 Coral Bead with Sterling Silver Cones and Hook and Eye Enclosure

In Very Good Condition

The Santo Domingo Three-Strand Heishi Necklace is a classic piece of Native American jewelry handmade by artisans from Santo Domingo Pueblo (also known as Kewa Pueblo), located in New Mexico. The term "heishi" comes from the Keresan word for "shell" and refers to tiny, flat, disc-shaped or cylindrical beads meticulously cut, drilled, ground, and polished by hand—often from natural materials like seashells (such as olivella or melon shell), turquoise, spiny oyster, or other stones.These multi-strand necklaces, especially three-strand versions, are iconic for their clean, elegant design, with beads strung in graduated or uniform patterns to create a smooth, rope-like appearance. Santo Domingo artists have been renowned for this style for centuries, with some necklaces featuring thousands of individually hand-rolled beads. The three-strand format adds volume and richness while remaining lightweight and versatile for everyday or ceremonial wear.