Vtg. Santo Domingo DEPRESSION ERA NECKLACE EARRINGS Turquoise + Found Materials

Vtg. Santo Domingo *DEPRESSION ERA 27" NECKLACE EARRINGS Turquoise + Found Materials

*During the depression years, when silver was scarce and/or unaffordable, Santo Domingo Pueblo artisans improvised and innovated, using found materials. Along with more easily obtained shell and turquoise bits, colorful plastics were overlaid on discarded car battery backing, and Thunderbird tab necklaces emerged. 

Offered here, with a more skillful and sophisticated look than most of the era, with great attention to detail, is an extremely rare and very beautiful century old depression era Thunderbird Tab & Heishi necklace with hand carved (both sides) turquoise arrowhead drop earrings.

Thunderbird is composed of turquoise pieces set in mosaic style on black jet or battery backing and what appears to be cream colored bakelite? or other hard substance. Intricately carved down to the tail feathers, outlined in cream with black eye and black contrasting band. Twenty tabs with mosaic turquoise on cream backing with black bands. One tab has missing black band. Matching handcut cream heishi graduates to contrasting dark shell heishi. Traditional hook and eye closure. Drop earrings are hand carved turquoise arrowheads with screw backs marked sterling. Necklace and earrings are prime examples of beautiful innovative Santo Domingo Pueblo authentic vintage jewelry art. Condition is excellent vintage. 


Measurements
Necklace: 27" end to end
Thunderbird: 2" long x 1-1/4" wide
20 Tabs: 1" long
Weight: 54.2 grams

Truly awesome set for your collection of fine authentic vintage Native American art ... 

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