Santo Domingo (Kewa) Turquoise, Jet, and Shell Necklace with Pendant

Description Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition. Centering a bold, geometric presence, this handcrafted Kewa (Santo Domingo) necklace features a striking “tab” pendant as its focal point. The pendant showcases a masterful mosaic of deep black jet, vibrant blue turquoise, and shimmering white shell, all hand-cut and polished into a seamless, high-contrast surface. This centerpiece is suspended from a single strand of hand-ground turquoise and shell heishi beads, creating a rhythmic and balanced silhouette that rests comfortably against the neckline. Every element of the pendant and the strand is shaped by hand, reflecting a meticulous dedication to traditional Pueblo stone-cutting. The “tab” necklace is one of the most iconic and historically significant forms of jewelry within the Kewa Pueblo. These flat, pendant-style pieces were traditionally worn during ceremonial dances and social gatherings, symbolizing the wearer’s prayers for rain, prosperity, and a connection to the ancestors. Kewa artisans are renowned for their ability to take raw materials like jet and shell and transform them into refined, geometric art through hours of patient grinding and polishing. This necklace serves as a beautiful bridge between these ancient cultural roots and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that complements any collection.