With Turquoise, Water, Sky: The Stone and Its Meaning the museum's extensive collection of Southwestern turquoise jewelry is highlighted. The exhibition presents all aspects of the stone, from geology, mining and history, to questions of authenticity and value.

For more than a thousand years, people in the Southwest have used turquoise for jewelry and ceremonial purposes and traded valuable stones both within and outside the region. Turquoise, Water, Sky presents more than 400 necklaces, bracelets, belts, rings, earrings, silver boxes and other objects illustrating how the stone was used and its deep significance to the people of the region.  Ancient, Pueblo (Santo Domingo, Zuni, and others), and Navajo traditions are explored. The exhibit ends with a display of dazzling contemporary artistry.

"Turquoise stands for water and for sky, for bountiful harvests, health and protection," said Maxine McBrinn, Curator of Archaeology at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. "The color blue-green symbolizes creation and the hope for security and beauty."