Pronounced "he-she", these necklaces are of fine, hand-made beads. This jewellery predates the introduction of metals, and is the oldest form of jewellery from New Mexico. The word means "shell", as the beads were originally carved from shells, obtained through trading. The beads are columnar-shaped, and strung together to form a continuous tube. The best heishi should feel smooth when the strand is pulled through your fingers.
