Necklace c. 1930s - 1940s

This necklace was made by A’shiwi, or Zuni, artists. It’s a piece of wearable art. Look closely, and you’ll see these small stones set in silver, each one held in place by tiny silver prongs. The turquoise stones are opaque, and range in shade from a milky green to a pale sky blue. These aren't just arranged; they are carefully considered, placed with such deliberate intent. Focus on the horseshoe-shaped pendant at the bottom. Each stone is slightly different, and has its own individual character, each blemish, each imperfection. It makes me think about art itself, and how so much of what we value comes from the imperfections, the unexpected marks, the little hiccups in the process. It reminds me of Eva Hesse's sculptures, with their handmade, slightly off-kilter forms. There's a beauty in that imperfection, a truthfulness that resonates. The necklace becomes an ongoing dialogue, not just with the materials but with a whole history of artmaking.