Vintage Kewa/Santo Domingo (1930s) Depression Era Necklace with an Inlaid Turquoise Thunderbird Pendant and Tabs.
Depression era necklaces were made by the Santo Domingo tribe during the Great Depression in the 1930s. At this time, jewelry materials were scarce and expensive. The Santo Domingo artists made necklaces from whatever materials they had available including vinyl records, battery casings, bones, hair combs, dinner plates, and more. The black backings on the tabs typically derived from battery cases or phonograph/vinyl records. The red color typically derived from plastic dinnerware or toothbrushes sold in Santa Fe, NM. These unique pieces capture a historic moment in time and have become quite collectible.
Number of Strands: 1
Necklace Length: 20”