Necklace, Thunderbird, Santo Domingo Depression, Battery Bird, Vintage ‘40s, 1351

DEPRESSION-ERA JEWELRY NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE US. 

Southwestern Santo Domingo-style jewelry is not only beautiful but almost baffling. This vibrant vintage battery bird necklace was crafted from tiny turquoise scraps, bits of gypsum, pieces of red plastic, and various found objects (such as car battery casings). Crafted in the traditional style, it's centered by a colorful thunderbird accented by a series of triangular tabs on a strand of beads. The resourcefulness of these post-war jewelry artisans is nothing short of remarkable. As they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure!

• affiliation: Kewa
• materials: gypsum, turquoise chips, found objects
• dimensions: 25"" total
• pendant: 2 3/4"
• weight: 81 grams
• nice vintage condition
• professionally re-strung and graduated
• style: JN1351