Traditional Pueblo Corn Necklace
Traditional Pueblo corn necklace handmade from hand cut, drilled and polished traditional beads of Kingman Arizona turquoise and red spiny oyster shell “corn” by Harvey and Janie Chavez of the Kewa Pueblo tribe. The turquoise beads are graded in size to create a necklace which gently tapers in diameter. The necklace is finished with sterling silver cones and clasp. This corn necklace measures 46cm / 18″ in length.
Beads:
Harvey Chavez expertly handcrafts beads in the traditional way of the Kewa Pueblo tribe in Northern New Mexico, USA. From tiny heishi or heishe beads to fine wafer cuts, every stone is individually hand cut, drilled and polished from natural materials such as turquoise, coral, pipestone, black jet, serpentine or shell. This once wide spread traditional skill is practised by fewer and fewer members of the tribe with each passing generation. Harvey and Janie Chavez are committed to practising the techniques learned from their parents, grandparents and great grandparents. They have passed these skills to their children and grandchildren in the hope that this knowledge will survive into future generations.
Harvey’s finished beads are strung into infinite combinations by his wife Janie. Janie makes necklaces, bracelets and earrings from the hand cut beads and hand formed feathers made by her husband.
The Chavez family have been making jewellery for Rainmaker Gallery for almost thirty five years. We are honoured to bring you the beautiful work of this talented family.
