Three Strand Zuni Fetish Necklace with Bench Press Beads, c.1950s

This three strand Zuni fetish necklace dates to the 1950s. The fetishes are all intact and are hand-carved from serpentine, shell, and Catlinite, depicting bears and birds. Traditional old shell heishe is interspersed between the 32 fetishes, and the necklace is finished with bench press beads and silver conical endings, with a hook-and-eye closure. The necklace is strung on silver wire, and measures 27 1/2" end-to-end. This is a superb example of a vintage Zuni fetish necklace.