Eight-Strand, 124-Figure Fetish Necklace
c. 1930
28.5 in. long
turquoise, jet, coral, abalone, silver
KMA 89.016.694
Jewelry
Edwin Kennedy also collected Southwest Native American jewelry of exceptional historical and cultural value. Although it is wide-ranging, much of Kennedy's collection of jewelry is unified by a consistency of interest in imagery drawn from the traditional ceremonial practices of native Southwest groups. A major portion of the jewelry he collected bears representations of yé’'''iis, katsinas, rainbow gods, or shalako figures. Examples include an inlay silver box by Mary Morgan, Fannie Kee and Angie Tsosie (KMA89.016.54 see picture to left) bearing eight inlaid yé’''ii figures framed on three sides by a rainbow god.
KMA 89.016.54
Also found in the collection are many other objects bearing katsinas, including an array of belts, bolos, bracelets, pins, pendants, necklaces, and earrings. The collection spans the entire history of Southwest Native American jewelry and textile production, and many of the early makers are unidentified. However, an unusually large proportion of the pieces can be attributed to known makers.
In addition to Becenti, Morgan and Kee, Navajo silversmiths of note include (click on the the thumbnails for larger view):
Zuni artists include :
The best-known Hopi artists in the collection include:
