Navajo Sterling Silver Squash Blossom Necklace [SOLD]

This magnificent Navajo-made squash-blossom necklace is fashioned in the style of those made in the 19^th century but it dates to the second quarter of the 20^th century (1925-1950).  The silver beads are hand made in the spherical shape of the older style and the blossoms have short blooms like older ones.  Contemporary necklaces have more rounded beads and longer blossoms.  This is an exceptional heavy silver necklace with a traditional horseshoe-shape naja.

The abalone shell attached to the end of the necklace suggests this was made to be worn by a native and not necessarily made for sale.  It does not appear to have been worn significantly.

There are 54 silver beads, 10 silver squash blossoms and a naja, all of which are silver.  It is strung on rawhide.  Early Navajo jewelry contained elements borrowed directly from Spanish colonial and Mexican ornament. The naja is one of these elements, a crescent form of Moorish origin. The Spanish conquerors in the Southwest outfitted their horses with elaborate silver ornaments—one of which was the naja that hung directly on the forehead of the horse as a part of the bridle. The Navajo incorporated the naja in their jewelry as a pendant dangling on silver necklaces, commonly called “squash blossom necklaces.”  The blossoms are modeled from the pomegranate but have been known as squash blossoms for over a hundred years, so that is not likely to change.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from a gentleman from Colorado

Recommended Reading:  FINE INDIAN JEWELRY OF THE SOUTHWEST: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection by Shelby Tisdale, Ph.D.