NATIVE AMERICAN KEWA MULTICOLORED NECKLACE BY JEANETTE CALABAZA

This necklace, hand made by Kewa artist Jeanette Calabaza, is a lovely statement piece. The necklace showcases fine Olive Shell, Turquoise, Lapis, Mother of Pearl Shell, Jet, Serpentine, Apple Coral, and Spiny Oyster. The strand of heishi is finished off with a hook and eye. Weighs 10 grams. 1/8″ wide to 3/8″ wide 19 1/2” long Artist card included Kewa (Santo Domingo) artists are known for their heishi. The word “heishi“ means “shell” in the Keresan language. Traditionally Kewa jewelry makers created their heishi jewelry out of shell. The shell is hand cut into a flat disc. Today, other stones that Santo Domingo artists cut in this manner, are also referred to as heishi. With modern tools and innovations, artists can create different styles of beads and use different gemstones like turquoise, coral, jet, serpentine, and spiny oyster.