Unusual Spiny Oyster Shell Pueblo Necklace

Item #: 797
Origin: Pueblo (Santo Domingo?)
Date: Mid 20th C.
Media: Spiny Oyster shell
Dimensions: 15″ as worn

Description:   This necklace is comprised of a single strand of uniquely cut shell, one side opalescent the other  spiny oyster shell in the rough.  These elongated pieces are in contrast to the orange spiny oyster pearls separating each piece.  The necklace is put on over the head, with no hook or joinery to come apart.  This is a very fine example of mid century exploration by Pueblo jewelers to create unique and beautiful items, items that were outside the norm of the 1st half of the 20th century.

Provenance: This came from the collection of Terry Hershey and the Jacob and Terese Hersey Foundation. Terry is considered one of the most important “Grand Dames” of Texas.  Her estate had numerous pieces of mid 20th century Native American jewelry, all of the highest quality.

Terese T. (Terry) Hershey (1923-2017), one of America’s most influential conservationists, passed away peacefully on her 94th birthday at her home in Houston. Called a “Force of Nature” by former President and friend, George H.W. Bush, Hershey’s impact on the landscape of the United States stretched from the banks of Buffalo Bayou in Houston to every state in the Union.

Price: SOLD