From Ocean to Desert, Heishi Necklaces Flourish

Deanna Tenorio is known for her incredible heishi necklaces. Heishi, meaning shell, refers to a style of necklace that is made up of delicately rounded beads. Heishi necklaces are most often associated with Santo Domingo and San Felipe tribes. Deanna is the daught

er of Lewis and Phyllis Coriz. Her father is from Santo Domingo and her mother is from the Pomo Tribe in California.

The creation of heishi beads begins with a whirring blade, used to slice the materials into strips. Small squares are created through tools like nippers, then a hole is drilled into the center of each square, forming the bead. Once these squares are strung together, the process of shaping, grinding, and smoothing the beads into perfectly rounded discs. Spiney oyster, mother of pearl, coral, turquoise, and olive shells are most commonly used.

Jewelry making is a practice passed down to Deanna by her paternal grandfather and aunt and uncle. Today, she teaches her four children the art of jewelry making, “This gives my children the chance to learn more about the culture and bond with our tribe.”

Deanna is nominated by the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian to represent the United States. Each year IFAM collaborates with six neighboring institutions to uplift our shared cultural values and U.S.-based folk artists.