Five Strand Heishi Necklace
This sumptuous five strand heishe necklace is made from traditional hand cut, drilled and polished heishi beads of olivella shell, Kingman Arizona turquoise, black jet and apple coral by Harvey & Janie Chavez, Kewa Pueblo tribe. This multi-strand necklace is finished with a sterling silver cones and chain for adjustable length from 52cm to 64cm.
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 over thirty years. We are honoured to bring you the beautiful work of this talented family.
