Silver and turquoise necklace. The chain features turquoise stones set within silver rectangular ornaments threaded into two rows of beaded chains. The central pendant is a turquoise stone-set horseshoe shape.
Detail-view of a horseshoe-shaped pendant of a turquoise and silver necklace. The turquoise stones are set in two concentric circles with decorative silver borders with a rectangular stone-setting atop it.
Detail-view of ornaments threaded into the necklace’s beaded chain. The rectangular ornaments have turquoise stones set in their center with silver decorative engraved borders on either side.
Detail-view of the clasp of a turquoise and silver necklace. The two ends of the double-beaded chain attach to one another with a metal hook and loop fastener.
The back of a silver pendant necklace with two rows of silver beads throughout. On the central larger pendant there is a rectangular cream cloth on the right side of the semi-circle pendant.
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Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)

Necklace

Maker

Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)

Culture

Diné (Navajo), Native North American

Title

Necklace

Year

ca. 1930s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Dimensions

32 cm (12 5/8 inches)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Anonymous gift

Object Number

55.050

Type

Publications

  • Journal

Manual / Issue 18: Nature

 RISD Museum’s Manual 18 Celebrates Nature

In our [Chamoru] culture, inafa’maolek is our most important value. It roughly translates as “to make good for each other.” Inafa’maolek teaches us that all things are connected and related, including people, environments, and all species. Because all things are interwoven, we must always act with guinaiya and respetu, love and respect.  

–Craig Santos Perez, introduction

Manual 18 explores human interactions with the natural world, from frank awe and deep appreciation of the immediate moment to eternal questions and ancient unfinished business. This issue of Manual complements the exhibition Being and Believing in the Natural World, co-curated by Gina Borromeo, Wai Yee Chiong, and Sháńdíín Brown, on view at the RISD Museum now through May 7, 2023.

Exhibition History

Being and Believing in the Natural World
Perspectives from the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, and Indigenous North America
Oct 22, 2022 – Jun 04, 2023

Label copy

Skillfully worked jade objects, such as the knife and disc in the case at left, have been found in elite tombs in China. Thousands of years ago, they likely held ceremonial meaning. Vibrant stones like malachite, said to capture the luminosity of the sun and moon, were also treasured in China. 

Ancient Greeks loved gold jewelry, often incorporating plant and animal motifs in their designs. They also transformed readily available materials into glass beads for necklaces. 

Since ancient times, Indigenous people in what is now the Southwest US have mined turquoise. Diné people believe turquoise provides spiritual protection. 

—WC | GB | SB

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Unknown Maker, Diné (Navajo)
Necklace, ca. 1930s
Silver and turquoise
32 cm (12 5/8 inches)
Anonymous gift 55.050

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