Squash Blossom Necklace with Naja with Hands [SOLD]

Spectacular all-natural turquoise cabochons, unique shaped pomegranate blossoms and a sterling silver naja make up this mid-20th Century squash blossom necklace. Two strands of quarter-inch silver beads are interspersed with ten bud-like forms that resemble flowers with long petals beginning to open. On each blossom a cabochon of turquoise was placed on a circular medallion. Each of the turquoise cabs was used in its original shape, so some are oblong, some round and some tear-drop.  Six different shaped cabochons of high-grade turquoise, set in saw tooth bezels, were set on the naja.

The artist fashioned the ends of the naja into two small outstretched hands. It is believed that the hands, derived from the Moors, represent the “hands of Fatima.” An age-old symbol of protection derived from the Moors, the Diné have used the crescent-shaped motif in jewelry for more than a hundred years, innovating the design in creative new ways to make it uniquely their own. The Diné were exposed to the naja from the bridle worn on the head of the horse of the Spanish.  They adapted it for use on a necklace.

The necklace is strung on a silver chain, and dates from the 1950s or 1960s. It is unsigned.

Condition: The Squash Blossom Necklace with Naja with Hands is in very good condition. All of the stones are intact.

Provenance: From a Southwest Indian Jewelry collector in Colorado

Recommended Reading: Navajo Jewelry: A Legacy of Silver and Stone by Lois Jacka.