Pueblo Spiny Oyster Pendant with Turquoise

Pueblo

Shell, Turquoise | Item 2064

This is an early shell, likely a hold over from the Hohokam culture. The Hohokam culture was known to have traveled to the Sea of Cortez in Baja California to find these Spiny Oyster shells, a favorite of the culture. A Pueblo person may have found it well after it had made its way to the Southwest and added the turquoise stone in the center. It’s estimated that this likely happened in the 19th century, but no way to confirm that other than the use and patina. There is hole at the top to thread the shell onto a necklace. The simplicity and as well the patina make this a beautiful object.