The black and red paint on these geometric earrings represent coral and jet: important materials to southwestern Indigenous peoples. Coral is often worn for protection, and jet represents the beauty of the night sky. The use of hand painted wood offers the collector of Indigenous made jewelry a way to tread lighter on the earth.
The concept for this series came to artist and REZILIENCE founder Warren Montoya when he was struck by the sheer amount of turquoise worn by patrons of SWAIA’s Indian market. Several of these collectors were wearing pieces (some would say small boulders) of turquoise so large that there was no room for thoughtful design. He created this series of hand painted wood earrings as a commentary on the use of turquoise for the sake of showmanship. Turquoise is a vitally important material for many Indigenous peoples of the southwest, yet it’s popularity is driving overconsumption and many supplies are dwindling.
Dimensions: 1.25” W x 2.75’ T each side
Materials: Oak wood & Acrylic Paint, Sterling Silver Plated Ear Wires.