Navajo 3-Strand Turquoise, Spiny Oyster, and Heishi Necklace with Jocla Pendants c. 1960s, 30" length (J91993C-0921-015)

189.7g, 30" length, plus 5" jocla pendants. Acquired from a private collection in Massachusetts. “Jocla” is the Navajo word for “ear string.” It is sometimes also spelled “jacla” or “joclah.” The Navajo and Pueblo natives would often wear all their jewelry for safekeeping on their person. Their extra “ear strings” or earrings, were often tied to the bottom of their necklaces. Later, this evolved into a necklace style. In this necklace, the joclas were intentionally added as pendants.