Necklace With Large Shell Mosaic With Turquoise

Item: 260

Origin: Santo Domingo
Date: Circa 1920
Media: Turquoise and Abalone
Dimensions: 15.25″ long, Shell 3 x 2.75″

Description: This is a large and wonderful example of a shell with mosaic overlay.  The necklace portion is believed to be a later addition.  The mosaic layout follows in the prehistoric pattern of a larger, centered element, in this case a piece of rectangular abalone.  The necklace is an assemblage of turquoise and shell – likely spiny oyster – beads.  The very end element is an Isleta cross of sorts. The necklace is strung with what appears to be contemporary sinew. 

Price: 850

A Santo Domingo Shell necklace with turquoise laid out in a mosaic pattern with abalone as the center stone, a copy of the prehistoric way of making these pendants.