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Native American, Southwestern United States, Dine (Navajo), ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A superb squash blossom naja pendant necklace and matching earrings made from sterling silver and turquoise. The spherical beads are strung on a double strand chain with 12 bezel settings inlaid with polished turquoise and squash blossoms protruding below. The central lunate pendant - known as a "naja" - has 9 turquoise stones; note the shimming copper veins! The earrings have been updated with modern sterling silver ear hooks and complement the necklace perfectly. Size of strand: 31" L (78.7 cm); naja pendant: 4.75" L x 3.75" W (12.1 cm x 9.5 cm); earrings: 1.5" L x 0.8" W (3.8 cm x 2 cm); silver quality: 93.5% to 93.6%; total combined weight: 379.3 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. The naja crescent is a Navajo symbol that may have been introduced to the Southwest by the Spanish who may have adopted it from Muslim / Near Eastern tradition.

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#181544

Pre-owned, and great, vintage condition, with light wear to silver from use. Some bending and minor indentations to the silver petals and beads. Areas of cleanable patina and toning. Earrings had modern sterling silver ear hooks added recently. All pieces are wearable!