Navajo Natural Turquoise, Mother of Pearl, Coral, and Heishi Necklace with Joclas, c. 1930s (J7932)

135.4g, 28" chain length, joclas measure 4.5". Acquired from a private collection in Arizona. The word “heishi” means “shell,” although today it is often used to describe the cut style of beads that are small, flat, disc-shapes. "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. So their extra "ear strings" or earrings, where often tied to the bottom of their necklaces. Later, this evolved into a necklace style.