Glass Beads & Satin Ribbon
Cuetzalan
Beads 12" long, Ribbons approx 16" long

In Cuetzalan most of the indigenous women of a certain age wear this necklace. It comes in a variety of forms, from long singular strands to a group of shorter strands like this one. With their very white traditional dress you can imagine this necklace stands out. The textile researcher, Bob Freund, told me that the beads represent coral as historically it was traded with the Indians from Vera Cruz over the mountains. When in a group, the beads are always finished with a number of colorful ribbons that often match the ribbons braided into the wearer’s hair. These ribbons often go far down the woman’s back to touch their waist. Tie them in a bow or a knot.