Necklace c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have a necklace, created around the 20th century, and its medium is listed as mixed-media. Looking at it, the necklace feels very organic in its construction. The turquoise and coral give it a connection to the earth. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Considering this necklace as a cultural artifact, its materials immediately suggest a particular history and likely, a specific geographic origin. Turquoise and coral are often associated with Indigenous cultures of the American Southwest. Editor: So, could this piece reflect particular traditions or socio-political circumstances of that region and era? Curator: Precisely. Jewelry, like this necklace, is rarely 'just' decorative. It often signifies identity, status, and even resistance. Who do you think would wear this piece, and for what occasions? Think about its visual impact and how it might function within a community. Editor: I’m imagining it worn during ceremonies. The choice of materials must have deep cultural meaning, perhaps linked to specific tribal affiliations, or signifying ties to land and resources. Curator: Exactly. Now think about how these materials and the skills to create them are passed down and maintained within specific cultural contexts. Jewelry, especially when displayed in museum collections, enters into new narratives. The circumstances of its collection, who decided to display it, and how it's labeled - these all contribute to shaping its ongoing story. Editor: So much more to it than just a pretty necklace. Considering its cultural weight definitely makes me think differently. Curator: Museums have a big responsibility in stewarding these narratives carefully, representing cultural heritage respectfully, and encouraging a deeper understanding of diverse histories.