Necklace Possibly 1900

Editor: Here we have a necklace, thought to be from around 1900, by an unknown Pueblo artist. It’s crafted from silver and metal, featuring these repetitive cross-like figures. The overall effect, though, is more solemn than decorative, almost…ritualistic. What stands out to you? Curator: Indeed. Notice how the crosses, traditional symbols of Christianity introduced by colonizers, are juxtaposed with materials like silver and coral, deeply significant in Indigenous Pueblo cultures. This act of re-interpreting symbols is a powerful form of resistance. How might this piece speak to cultural memory? Editor: So, it’s not just about adopting a new religion, but about layering it onto existing beliefs? Curator: Precisely. The cross figures become something else entirely, almost like prayers or invocations to balance those distinct belief systems. The repetition emphasizes a continuity, linking generations through symbolic language. Editor: I’m also drawn to the single, more complex cross pendant. Is that significant? Curator: It could represent a central figure or deity, around which the smaller crosses gather for support or guidance. That modified shape at the bottom is particularly interesting, I suspect it is a cultural element distinct to the Pueblo. Its exact meaning would need further exploration. Editor: It’s amazing how much history and cultural negotiation can be embedded in a single piece of jewelry. Curator: And it's a potent reminder that symbols are never static, always evolving through use and interpretation. Thanks for pointing it out, it is enriching to hear it put so clearly. Editor: My pleasure. I learned a lot today.