Native American Sterling Silver and coral Squash Blossom Necklace

Description : The centerpiece of a squash blossom necklace as seen here, is called a Naja (pronounced Naha, silent J). There is a significant amount of evidence that this symbol was derived from the intersection of the Native American indigenous culture and the Spaniards that travelled to what is now known as the American Southwest. The Dine/Navajo were known since the early 1800's for their striking designs with jewelry adornment but the style changed significantly upon the confluence of Native symbolism with Spanish culture. Many scholars believe that the Naja is a part of the Moorish Crescent moon symbolism. Coral was also a new material that was introduced into the indigenous jewelry having been traded by the Spaniards. The squash blossoms are originally hand crafted sterling silver pieces that were assembled and used in the tradition of the Navajo/Dine style. A necklace like this would have been worn by a member of the tribe that had stature and power.

Item Number : P21263

Category : NECKLACE

Brand : NAVAJO