Silver Cast Naja Pendant With Turquoise [SOLD]

The naja is a pendant that was worn on the bridal of the Spaniards horses. The Navajo adopted the shape and they began to make them by casting ingot silver, probably as early as 1870. They were then added to the already existing silver bead necklaces as pendants. Later, the pomegranate or squash blossoms were interspersed between the beads, resulting in what is known today as squash blossom necklaces.

This extraordinary naja appears to be as early as 1920s, and is in excellent condition. A beautiful oval, domed turquoise cabochon rests at its center. The loop on the back that is used for suspending the naja from a chain or string has been simply stamped with a row of parallel lines and circles—a touch added by the artisan in an area that is not readily visible.