Description:

Native American, New Mexico/Arizona, Zuni, ca. second half of 20th century CE. A mesmerizing necklace comprised of eleven hand-shaped turquoise beads, the central and largest with red coral fingernail inlays, all strung with smaller hand-cut and polished coral beads of breathtaking vermilion hues that complement the turquoise hands beautifully, and finally resolving in four silver termini beads and a silver fastener. Size: 28" L (71.1 cm); central hand pendant 1.75" L (4.4 cm)

In Native American visual culture the hand usually symbolizes the presence of humankind. Some of the earliest handprints appear on cave walls, representing human achievement and personal history. In addition, horses have traditionally been highly honored by Native American and covered in symbols for various ritualistic purposes. While these varied from tribe to tribe, hand prints were featured in various positions to signify different meanings. The most revered of these handprints was an upside-down hand print placed on a warrior's horse when preparing for battle, particularly if it was a kill-or-be-killed mission. Furthermore, if a horse was slayed by an enemy, right or left handprints were put on the horse's chest.

Provenance: Ex-private Morgan collection

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#118877

  • Condition: Choice and wearable.

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January 19, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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