Necklace, Thunderbird, Santo Domingo, Depression, Vintage ‘40s, 1673

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 coordinating triangular tabs on a strand of gypsum 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!