Shell
Deer Kachina: The Deer Kachina is much like all game animals and dances to bring more of his kind. The staff that is held in both hands represents the front legs of the Deer. Deer provided food and skins for clothing and they are seen in many petroglyphs as well as fetishes used by shaman in many tribes.
Featured is a fine example of Heishi work. The necklace is a combination of white shell and turquoise that is finished off with a Navajo wrap. It has the feeling of the sea and the ocean breeze.
“Jocla” is the term for the long Dangle Earrings that were usually tied onto the ear with rawhide or cording. When not worn, these large dangle style earrings were simply tied onto the end of the traditional Nugget Necklace, which made for a very decorative presentation. These are older and have come to us from a collection.
"Petroglyph People" by gourd artist of New Mexico, Robert Rivera. This wall piece is a colorful Shaman that has lots of character and plenty of objects that give him spiritual power. There are feathers, turtle shells, horse hair, bones and shells and beads. Measuring 45 inches by 57 inches.
Corbert Joe and his family create beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in Albuquerque NM. The turquoise in this chocker is stabilized. Graduated disks are accented by central beads of shell and the closure is sterling silver.
The Goat may fall into two categories the livestock animal and game animal. Found as an image on the petroglyph walls and used today for their wool and meat. Goat fetishes are used to increase flocks.
Rattlesnake carved from Mother of Pearl shell by Zuni carver Paulette Quam. The rattle is up as the snake moves across the ground, he measures 2 3/4 inches.
Six Strands of Olive Shell Heishi- Delicate strung small beads measuring 28 inches in length with a sterling silver closure.
Heishi Santo Domingo Necklace- Small shell with coral beads and Abalone birds with sterling silver closure. Measuring 23 inches in length.
Mixed Heishi necklace made of shell and turquoise slabs average in size 3/4 inch to 1 inch. The Jocla of hand cut and shaped beads, hangs 5 1/2 inches from the necklace. Strung on twine and tied off in the traditional manner. This is an older piece.
