120327-02 Early Navajo Navajo Turquoise Tab Necklace with Jaclas
Circa 1930-1950
25" necklace with 5 1/2" jaclaw drop
A handsome example with good wear and deep color to stones.
Historically the Jocla necklace was made and worn by the Pueblo tribe. This tribe is known for the realization of the Heishi beads, these tubular and smooth beads made of stones and shells, which can be found on many Jocla necklaces.
Then this jewelry spread to the Navajo tribe: the Pueblo and Navajo traded and the Jocla pendants were a currency of exchange. In fact, it was the Navajo who named these ornaments "Jocla", "Jacla", "Jackla" (spellings vary), which in their dialect means the "ear string".
For decades the Jacla necklace has marked the Native American culture as a jewel, marker of wealth, element of barter.... It can be found in superb archive photos, on the necks of women and men during ceremonies and important moments.
This ornament has crossed the tribes and the ages, to lend itself today to different styles.