Necklace c. 20th century

This necklace was made by A'shiwi, also known as Zuni craftspeople, using silver and turquoise. The process of creating something like this is so intricate; each stone is carefully selected and placed. The turquoise is this beautiful, cool blue – almost like a glacial lake. The stones are opaque, solid, and have a natural variance that brings such individuality. Look at the little silver dots, each one perfectly rounded, like beads of sweat after intense labor. The overall effect gives a feeling of naturalism, as the stones become like flowers on a vine. It reminds me of Hilma af Klint's botanical drawings, except this is meant to be worn, to adorn, to be close to the body. And you think about all the work that goes into it, all the time, all the hands, and that’s really something.