THE DRAGONFLY AND THE ISLETA DOUBLE BAR CROSS:

Also called the Pueblo Cross, the Isleta Cross is a very old Pueblo design associated with the Isleta Pueblo. This double bar cross goes back further than the times of when the Spaniards came into NM (1600's) & was said to originate with the Moors,but actually dates back to the Mimbres (C.1200 AD) where you can find this similar symbol in their pottery. Early Spanish priests,attributed the use of this cross to a miraculous encounter of the early Pueblos,with the Holy Spirit.

To the Puebloan natives, the double-bar cross was very similar to the dragonfly symbol of their culture, so many Puebloans incorporated the Isleta cross in their jewelry. Many crosses of Spanish and Mexican origin as well as Isleta crosses, you'll witness a heart or a partial heart at the bottom. This is sometime referred to as the “bleeding heart”. In the Catholic Church, the Sacred Heart (the bleeding heart) alludes to the manner of Jesus’ death and represents Christ’s goodness and charity through his wounds and ultimate sacrifice. However it has been told that the reason the Puebloans put a heart on the bottom of their crosses was for other reasons. They felt it represented the big generous heart of the dragonfly who loved the people. Dragonfly represents rain and its life-giving force, a source of renewal for the land, plants, animals and thus allows human life.

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THE LARGE 'MAYORDOMO" CROSS:

This large Oaxaca sterling cross of Jesus was apart of Federico's "Private" vintage collection & comes from the 1920's time period.It was worn by the "Mayordomo" who in this case, was the "Religious Administrator" who oversaw & took charge of everything, in order to see that the operation for the business, was ran ptopeely, so everything flowed with ease.. A Mayodomo, you might say is the "General", manager, or the head person who is in control of daily operations.

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VINTAGE RED-WHITE HEART GLASS BEADS:

These deep red Venetian white heart beads are shipped via the Ivory Coast,in Africa. White heart beads, actually were made in Venice in the 19th century and were extensively traded throughout Africa & that's why sometimes you will hear them referred to, as "African trade beads". They are called white hearts, because they have a white glass interior, which then has a true red color applied over their white hearts. These are the old vintage ones.

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THE NECKLACE:

This very special necklace is designed with plenty of spirituality, where Native beliefs meets Christianity.

Designed like a 'Squash Blossom" necklace, the 8 dragonfly's hang from bars that also hold the 3 strands of white heart beads together. The beads are in the 6mm range in size. The beads & the Mayordomo cross are vintage, while the double bar Pueblo Dragonfly crosses are newly made by Federico. The latter, have his "JF" hallmark on backside of each.

If you zoom in on 2nd to the last photo , you'll witness one of the prettiest looking closures! The closure is made with 2 hands, that when closed,it's as if they are

'connecting in friendship'!

It has a nice presence on the body & because the sterling amount is at a minimum, allows this to be lighter in weight. So for those who can't handle a lot of weight on the neck,I honestly don't feel it's too bad.(See weights below just to be sure!)