CIRCA: 1920 – 1920’s
An outstanding antique native American Navajo Indian (Dine’*) ‘squash blossom’ necklace from the first quarter of the 1900’s that is hand crafted out of genuine silver mined in the Americas, and set with genuine eggshell-blue turquoise stones**. It is composed of a ‘horseshoe’ shaped lower center pendant (known to the Navajo as a ‘naja’***) which consists of one large turquoise stone set at the center top, and six smaller turquoise stones that are set three either side at regular intervals down the naja, while either side on the necklace ‘chain’ there are five medium size turquoise stones set into stylised ‘squash blossoms’ at regular intervals. All of the turquoise stones, seventeen in total in the piece, are in hand-cut bezel settings and accented by intricate designs and mini beads, all hand crafted.
Many cultures, the Navajo (and Tibetans) among them, believe that turquoise tends to bring good fortune, ward off the evil eye and promote clear communication and it is often associated with protection, healing, strength and spiritual communication. When unclasped and laid out ‘straight’ (bottom photo) the length is 63cm end to end and if laid closed vertically (photo top right) it is 37cm top to bottom, while the size of the naja itself (centre photo, middle row) is 7cm wide by 7.5cm high. The silver has been left unpolished and hence the necklace retains a lovely natural patina and overall weighs 190 grams in total. This particular necklace was a family heirloom that was passed on to the previous owner in the early 1960’s and its origin could be traced back forty years from there. It has remained virtually unworn for the past 60 odd years and therefore it remains in excellent original condition with a genuine earthy patina.
* TheNavajo people call themselves, in their native language, Dine’, which literally means “The People”. The Dine’ speak about their arrival on the earth as a part of their story of the creation. (See more about their creation story here https://peopleofonefire.com/navajo-origin-story/}
** Native Americans have prized turquoise since the time of the Aztecs, who mined it in New Mexico and the stone holds a special place in Navajo Indian jewellery as it is esteemed for both its beauty and cultural significance. Navajo jewellery traces its origins back to about the 1860’s, with the earliest pieces being inspired by the silver trappings of the Spaniards. Historically, Navajo jewellery is an important part of the Navajo people’s cultural heritage and was worn to reflect a person’s cultural identity, status and / or wealth. The stone comes in various shades of blue and green, from pale blue to vibrant green and the natural variations that occur in turquoise are part of its appeal and beauty. The stone got its name from the Levantine traders called Turks who brought the stone to Europe from Persia via Turkey centuries ago. Today, Navajo Indian jewellery remains immensely popular both among the native peoples themselves and non-natives alike (with turquoise being the birthstone of people born in December).
*** Among the various styles of Navajo necklaces is the one incorporating the ‘naja’ which is sometimes referred to as the ‘squash blossom necklace’ because of the Navajo’s interpretation of Spanish pomegranate blossoms which often appear interspersed along the ‘sides’ of the necklace ‘chain’. The necklace is characterized by its unique lower horseshoe shaped pendant which is the ‘naja’ and this design dates back to the 1800’s and symbolizes wealth, status, and cultural belonging. Such horseshoe-shaped ornaments, with Spanish-Moorish roots, decorated the bridles worn by the horses of Spanish colonialists, and Navajo artisans incorporated them into their jewellery. This placement of squash blossom beads with the naja created one of the most iconic types of jewellery associated with the American Southwest.
For more information in Navajo Indian jewellery see; https://ancient-to-modern.arizona.edu/Dine-Navajo-Jewelry & http://camerontradingpost.com/the-history-of-navajo-jewelry