1960s Vintage Native American Zuni Pueblo Totem Fetish Necklace

This 1960s to 1970s vintage coral and shell Southwestern necklace is a classic example of Native American craftsmanship. It showcases traditional single-strand assembly techniques created by regional Indigenous artisans, utilizing a beautiful mix of genuine natural stones and durable metal components.

Item Details:

• Era: 1960s to early 1970s Vintage
• Period: Southwestern Tourist Boom
• Materials: Two Carved Mother of Pearl Bird Fetish Beads, Natural Red Coral, Genuine Turquoise Nugget, Silver-Plated Steel Liquid Beads
• Closure: Steel Barrel Clasp
  
• Dimensions: 19 inches (Matinee length)
• Turquoise Feature Bead: 13 x 10 mm
• Round Coral Beads: 4 mm
• Condition: Fair to excellent vintage condition with minor age-commensurate patina on the clasp hardware. The plated steel beads remain structurally intact.
• Origin: Southwestern United States

Fashion History and Material Significance

The defining feature of this piece is its two hand-carved mother-of-pearl bird fetishes, a motif originating from traditional Zuni craftsmanship. In Zuni tradition, birds are revered as sacred guardians and spiritual messengers bridging the gap between earth and sky, representing vision, freedom, and resilience.

The juxtaposition of the blue turquoise nugget and the red-orange coral represents a traditional harmony of opposites, uniting Father Sky energy with the grounding elements of the earth and sea. Marine materials like shell and coral symbolize water, continuous life, and the blessing of moisture.

During the mid-century travel boom, makers paired these genuine regional elements with silver-plated steel liquid beads to ensure durability. The plated steel base metal gives the hollow beads exceptional structural strength, preventing the flattening and crushing common to softer precious metals from this era. It remains a wearable example of mid-century fashion history and Southwestern storytelling.

This 1960s to early 1970s vintage coral and shell Southwestern style necklace is a classic example of Native American tourist-era craftsmanship. While adapted for the mid-century souvenir market, it showcases traditional assembly techniques created by regional Indigenous artisans, utilizing a beautiful mix of genuine natural stones and commercial metal components.