Heishi beads are pieces of shell, which have been drilled and shaped into beads. The literal meaning of heishi is 'shell', and only shell beads should be considered to be 'authentic'. However, more and more, the term is used generically in reference to small beads of other materials; sometimes even including beads that are not even natural, but synthetic. These beads are inextricably linked to the Pueblo Indians and is the oldest form of jewelry in New Mexico. The shells were received in trade from the Gulf of California. Traditional crafted 'authentic' beads are created in an entirely handmade process.
Strands are approximately 24 inches long.