Diné 1940s Squash Blossom Necklace with Classic Handmade Silver Beads and Turquoise Naja [SOLD]

Solid, exquisitely crafted handmade beads are interspersed with classic three-pronged squash blossoms in this amazing 1940s Navajo silver and turquoise necklace.  At the bottom of the necklace hangs a naja, the crescent shape borrowed from the Spanish by way of the Moors. The naja has three perfectly placed oval cabochons of turquoise. Originally a symbol of protection for Moorish horsemen, Diné artisans of the early 20th century adopted the symbol first to use on headstalls for their horses and then as an item of individual ornamentation for their own jewelry.

The evolution of the traditional Diné squash blossom necklace is a narrative of the history of the Diné  people themselves. It is a story of borrowed shapes and forms that reflects the continuing talent of the Diné  to adapt, change and improve on the designs and patterns of Moorish, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American items of personal adornment.

While none of the elements of a traditional Diné squash blossom necklace were originally from the Diné, necklaces such as this one are now considered to be classic traditional works of art associated with the artists of the Navajo Nation. This necklace is especially beautiful and extremely well made. The beads are heavy and and perfectly made. As was the custom in the 1940s, the necklace is unsigned. 

Condition: The Diné 1940s Squash Blossom Necklace with Classic Handmade Silver Beads and Turquoise Naja is in excellent condition. 

Provenance: From a Colorado collector

Recommended Reading:

Navajo Silver: A Brief History of Navajo Silver by Arthur Woodward

Indian Silver: Navajo and Pueblo Jewelers by Margery Bedinger

Relative Links: necklace, Navajo, Southwest Indian Jewelry