Navajo Turquoise, Coral and Spiny Oyster Heishi Jocla c. 1960s, 6" Long (J10219)

44.3g, 6" length. Acquired from a private collection in Arizona. The owner inherited this item from her mother-in-law, who had collected for over forty years on the reservation. It was a passion of hers. 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.