Native American, Southwestern United States, Navajo, ca. mid-20th century CE. A beautiful squash blossom necklace featuring sterling silver saucer beads strung on a double stranded chain with a horseshoe-shaped naja pendant at the center. The Necklace is wearable with a hook and eyelet clasp. 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. Size: 31" L (78.7 cm); naja pendant: 3" L x 3" W (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm); silver quality: 92% to 93%; weight: 426.6 grams
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
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#181538
Condition
Some minor bending and indentations to beads, otherwise intact and excellent vintage condition. Areas of toning and cleanable patina.