Native American, Southwestern United States, Navajo, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A stunning sterling silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace set with ovoid turquoise stones. The necklace is comprised of 14 silver squash blossom beads set with beautiful natural and polished turquoise strung on a strand of many spherical silver beads that branch into a double strand. At the center is a dramatic inverted crescent-shaped pendant, called the "Naja," set with 10 more turquoise stones in silver sawtooth bezels. A hook clasp completes this special ensemble of wearable art! Size of strand: 26" L (66 cm); pendent: 2.5" W (6.4 cm); silver quality: 93.5% to 94%; weight: 139.6 grams

The Navajo word for the squash blossom bead literally means "bead that spreads out" and this tri-petal form first appeared around 1880. Initially the necklaces were rather simple with the tri-petal silver beads interspersed with rather plain beads. In time, stones were added to the blossom beads. According to the Navajo, the Naja is strictly decorative; however, it has always been held in high regard by the Navajo and other peoples. Additionally, scholars do know of a squash blossom petroglyph at Saguaro National Monument in Arizona and believe that the flower motif was introduced by the Spanish as a variation of the pomegranate flower blossom.

Provenance: private Himrod collection, Anaheim, California, USA

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#167326

Dark patina and toning on the silver areas. Stable fissures, nicks, and chips to turquoise stones. Minor bending to blossom petals. Wearable!