Wooden heishi bead necklace with carved trumpet-shaped fetishes, Native American style

Heishi beads are a traditional form of Native American jewelry-making, particularly associated with the Santo Domingo Pueblo (now Kewa Pueblo) in New Mexico. The word 'heishi' means 'shell' in the Kewa language, though the technique has been applied to various materials including wood, stone, and shell for centuries. The incorporation of carved trumpet or horn-shaped fetishes into heishi necklaces represents a blend of traditional beadwork with symbolic elements. This style of necklace appeals to collectors of Native American jewelry, enthusiasts of Southwestern art, and those interested in handcrafted artisan jewelry. The combination of natural materials, traditional techniques, and symbolic carved elements makes these pieces valued for their cultural significance, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. Collectors appreciate the skill required to create uniform heishi beads and the artistic carving of the decorative fetishes.