Lot 142A
Native American, Southwest, Navajo, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. Gorgeous! A wearable sterling (93%) silver and turquoise necklace that showcases Navajo artistry. The necklace is strung with a double strand of round silver beads with incised linear motifs. Along the strands are bezels shaped to fit the unique dimensions of the turquoise. Each bezel features a trumpet shaped squash blossom at the bottom and a pair of leaves flanking the stone. At the center of the necklace is a grand inverted crescent shaped pendant, called the "Naja," set with five more turquoise stones in silver settings, and a smaller piece hanging from a loop in the center. This is a very large ensemble with generous pieces of polished turquoise. It is wearable and outfitted with a hook clasp. Size of necklace: 36.5" L (92.7 cm); naja crescent: 4.5" L x 4.5" W (11.4 cm x 11.4 cm); quality of silver: 93%; total weight: 453.592 grams
The Navajo word for the squash blossom bead literally means "bead that spreads out" and this tri-petal form first appeared about 1880. Scholars believe that this flower motif was introduced by the Spanish as a variation of the pomegranate flower blossom, and the Navajo adapted it as a symbol of their revered squash. 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, as demonstrated here. According to the Navajo, the Naja is strictly decorative; however, it has always been held in high regard by the Navajo and other peoples.
Provenance: ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Arkansas, USA, 1950s to 1960s
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#161362
- Condition: Small nicks and chips to stone. Indentations and bending to squash blossoms. Wearable, with a nice patina on the silver.
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