An Artistic Tribute to a True Survivor

One of the most fun parts of having an online jewelry store is discovering unique artwork by native artists. This matching set really caught our eye because of its one-of-a-kind design and its celebration of a desert icon, the desert tortoise.

This exceptional necklace, with matching bracelet and earrings, celebrates the beauty and mystery of the desert tortoise.  For this southwestern jewelry collection, Zuni artist Dilberd Basper created 16 individual tortoises of polished jet, turquoise, mother of pearl, coral, and turquoise, connected with delicate turquoise beads, in honor of one of Nature’s truly remarkable creatures. It is an example of the best of American Indian turquoise jewelry.

Amazing One of a kind Zuni Fetish Necklace, Bracelet and Earring set designed and signed by by Zuni artist Dilberd Gaspar.
Click here for more photos of this exquisite American Indian Jewelry set.

Dilberd’s unique necklace stands out from regular turquoise necklaces because of the jet tortoises with intricate designs, complete with tiny turquoise eyes, intertwined with the stones. It is not just Indian fashion jewelry, but celebrates the desert tortoise, which holds a special place in Zuni celebrations and lore.

Indeed, the desert tortoise is a versatile and resilient creature found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, which run through southeastern California, southern Nevada, and south through Arizona into Mexico.

A tortoise and a turtle have some things in common, but many differences as well.  Unlike a turtle, tortoises only go to water to drink or bathe, and cannot swim; their feet have no webs.  Turtles have been on earth for at least 215 million years; the desert tortoise has been around at least 1 million years. Both turtles and tortoises are celebrated in the mythology of many cultures around the world. Often the turtle plays a major role in the story of the creation of the world and mankind.

A long and meaningful life  

The turtle/tortoise is a Zuni fetish, signifying fertility, resilience, and a long and meaningful life. The Kokochi Dance, a prayer for moisture, is performed more often than any other Zuni ceremony. It always opens the summer series. It is especially important on the occasion of the return, every fourth year, from the Sacred Lake, where certain of the impersonators go to acquire clay and turtles. The live turtle is afterward carried in the dance. Ironically, later it is killed, and the shells are cleaned and made into dance rattles.

More about the Desert Turtle