Dragonfly Bruised Heart Cross Necklace

Pueblo Indian

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About The Artwork

This very rare necklace of bronze crosses and old "Trade Beads" survived intact and beautifully preserved because it was appreciated, from the beginning, for its true value and everything it represented.

As necklaces of this type are, few are in perfect original condition and even fewer are made so well initially. The attention to detail is phenomenal! The main cross is attached to a scallop decorated bail reflecting fully the Spanish influence in design as well as training. This bail is attached with a forged pin that is all but completely invisible! The 10 smaller crosses placed 5 to either side of the large one, are symetrically paired and are graduated--becoming smaller as they ascend the necklace. There are a total of 34 bronze beads. All are very round with large holes. Variations in surface indicate manufacture by hand, a painstaking, labor intensive venture. The remaining beads consist of two Venetian lamp work polychrome black beads wity yellow cane Xs and white dots applied to the surface. These date from the mid 19th century. The smaller terra cotta color glass beads have a clear green center. They are extruded cane cut to size the way pasta is produced. These date from the early 1800's and predate cranberry glass "white hearts".  There are 60 of these in the necklace. These have also been strung graduating from largest at the main cross to smallest at the top of the necklace. Original patina remains intact on all components. Seldom has such awareness and appreciation of esoteric value been evident in a private collection. The family came from Scotland and settled in California during the very early 1900's. They fell in love with indigenous culture. The end result is evidence. This necklace is way beyond bauble. It is a genuine piece of history transcending cultural boundaries and more than a century in time to find a new guardian. This fortunate person will be rewarded by more than its beauty--for it brings with it the stories of ancestors is every surface detail and a wonderful in every surface detail and a wonderful magic that is still possesses to the touch!!!

 

About The Artist

references any article made by an American Indian residing in the area currently occupied by Pueblo tribes in New Mexico.

Other Works By Artist:

Cultures

American Indian

Medium

Jewelry

Subject

Religious

Keywords

dragonfly cross, dragonfly bruised cross