Stunning Santo Domingo Pueblo handmade necklace. Made of natural bright hand polished multi-colored Abalone shell beads with natural light brown heishi shells as separators and tips. Traditional tie closure. Meticulously hand polished. Made to last as heirloom jewelry. Traditional Santo Domingo jewelry are very hard to find, due to the dwindling number of artisans at the Pueblo. 

This necklace was purchased directly from the artist, Domingo Pacheco. Domingo is a member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo tribe, New Mexico. Santo Domingo Pueblo is named for St. Dominic, the village celebrates an annual feast day on August 4th of each year to honor him. On that day, residents of the Pueblo and other pueblos participate in traditional corn dances. Santo Domingo Pueblo is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, about 25 miles (40 km) south of Santa Fe. Most of the residents of the Pueblo are Native Americans who speak a dialect of the Keresan Language. Much of the Santo Domingo jewelry made today is very similar to Anasazi jewelry found in digs at Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. Some of the jewelry found in these digs is more than a thousand years old.

Santo Domingo Beads are very fine and of high-quality grade, some of the best heishi on the market. The word "Heishi" is from the Keresan word meaning "shell," and traditionally referred to shell beads. 

Traditional tribal artwork, intricate details. A definite conversation piece. 

Total length: 42 inches (end to end)

Weight: 101-106 grams

Collectible quality work of art, passed down for centuries within the Santo Domingo Pueblo tribe. A special complement to any collection!