Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2009 School for Advanced Research.
Pendant, shell
Date: 1940s
Artist or Maker: Unknown
Dimensions:
Overall: 7.9 x 7.9 cm (3 1/8 x 3 1/8 in.)
Medium: spiny oyster shell | turquoise | jet | white shell
Credit Line: Gift of Amelia Elizabeth White, 1952.
Place Made:
Zuni Pueblo, McKinley County, New Mexico, Southwest, United States, North America
Object Number: IAF.S720
Not on view
Tribal Collection Review RemarksOctavius Seowtewa during collection review visit February 17 and 18, 2010 (Events Record “Collection Review: Zuni Tribe, Review 4”): The materials listed on the catalog card are correct, except that the white inlays may or may not be clam shell, as stated by a researcher in 1995. All that can be said for sure is that they are made from a white shell.
This type of pendant is used in several pueblos. Many were, and still are, made at Santo Domingo. It is impossible to tell for sure at which pueblo this piece was made. Since the IAF record says they are Zuni, it is most likely they were purchased at Zuni, which means they were used there.
In Collection(s)
The Indian Arts Research Center, in collaboration with Native American community scholars, strives to present accurate collections records. Records may be updated as new information becomes available and is reviewed with the Native American community having cultural affinity to particular items. Please write to iarc@sarsf.org if you have questions or concerns related to the documentation.