The Jewelry Collection
Jewelry from Diné (Navajo), Zuni and Hopi artists are well represented in the Heard Museum’s collection. The collection also contains impressive works from the Rio Grande pueblos. In recent decades, jewelers have explored precious and semi-precious stones from around the world, along with gold—materials outside of the silver, turquoise and shell that defined Southwestern Indian jewelry for much of the 20th century.
Diné jewelry represents a mastery of silverwork combined with dramatic stones from the many varieties of turquoise. Many traditional forms from the 20th century, such as the squash blossom necklace, band bracelet and concha belt, have a classic style and are widely appreciated today.
The distinctively styled Hopi jewelry utilizes the overlay technique, or the cutting of designs into a silver sheet that is placed on top of a solid silver backing. The cut-out area is oxidized to blacken and accent the design. Today, jewelers from any culture may choose to use this technique.
Zuni jewelry’s most striking feature is its intricate lapidary work. Artists painstakingly manipulate pieces of turquoise, jet, coral and shell into complex mosaic patterns, delicate needlepoint designs and distinctive animal fetish necklaces.
Jewelry Collection Highlights
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Norbert Peshlakai, Diné, b. 1953, Silver seed pots, 1980s-1990s. Gift of Norman L. Sandfield, 4426-70, 4450-1, 9, 18, 35, 38 -
Charles Loloma, Hopi, 1921-1991, Pendant, 1970. Heard Museum purchase, NA-SW-Ho-J-4 -
Artist once known, Diné, Concho belt, c. 1880. Fred Harvey Fine Arts Collection, 1051S -
Leekya Deuse and Frank Dishta, Zuni Pueblo, 1889-1966 and 1915-1999, Wagon with oxen, c. 1950. Heard Museum purchase with funds from Museum Endowment, Annette M. Cravens, Dottie Gilpatrick, Dennis and Janis Lyon, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Parker, 4250-1 -
Jesse Monongye, Diné, b. 1952, Bracelet. Gift of Joseph and Jeanie Harlan, 4220-1
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Liz Wallace, Diné/Washo/Maidu, b. 1975, Brooch, 2008. Heard Museum purchase, 4528-1
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Charles Loloma, Hopi, 1921-1991, Bracelet, 1975. Heard Museum purchase with funds from Museum Endowment, Mary G. Hamilton, Dennis and Janis Lyon, Carol Ann Mackay and Mareen Nichols, 4274-1 -
Artist once known, Diné, Necklace, c. 1885. Heard Museum purchase, NA-SW-Na-J-55 -
Leekya Deuse, Zuni Pueblo, 1889-1966, Necklace, 1926. Gift of Mr. C.G. Wallace, NA-SW-Zu-J-277 -
Norbert Peshlakai, Diné, b. 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Slim Cowboy Nature Walk, 2017. Gift of the Heard Museum Council, 4894-1 -
Perry Shorty, Diné, b. 1964, Bracelet, 2021. Gift of Drs. William G. and Kathleen L. Howard, 4986-1
