Navajo Sterling Silver Naja Squash Blossom Necklace

Description:

Amazing handcrafted Navajo Naja Blossom necklace. Fully sterling silver with three turquoise stones on the Naja hanger. 

• The Naja: An inverted crescent-shaped pendant that serves as the centerpiece. The term naja is the anglicized version of the Navajo word najahe, meaning "crescent".
• Squash Blossoms: Flared, tri-petal beads spaced along the necklace. While named after squash, many believe the design was originally inspired by Spanish pomegranate motifs seen on colonial horse bridles.
• Origins: The design emerged in the mid-to-late 19th century as Navajo silversmiths blended indigenous creativity with Spanish and Moorish influences. The crescent shape can be traced back to Moorish talismans brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors as horse bridle ornaments.

   

  Symbolism:

  • Protection: Historically used to ward off the "evil eye".
  • Fertility: The crescent shape is sometimes interpreted as a representation of the womb, symbolizing new life and creation.
  • Status: Owning such a necklace is a sign of wealth, cultural identity, and tribal pride.

Sizing:

All standard measurements can be seen in the pictures.