Diné Silver and Blue Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace [SOLD]

The Squash Blossom Necklace: A Mid-Century Masterpiece of Diné Artistry

This mid-century necklace is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of an unknown Diné artist from the Navajo Nation. The necklace features 16 unique squash blossom elements, each adorned with a solitary cabochon of high-grade turquoise. The turquoise gemstones, set on silver platforms, are extraordinarily captivating with their ocean-like blue hue and golden-brown matrix. Each piece of turquoise is meticulously placed in settings that accentuate its natural beauty.

At the heart of the necklace is a naja pendant, embellished with four turquoise gemstones. One of these gemstones rests on a silver Fleur de lis, a stylized lily composed of three petals bound together near their bases. This element, known from the former royal arms of France, adds a touch of borrowed elegance to the piece.

The term "squash blossom" necklace, as it is known today, has an interesting origin. Technically, the blossoms attached to the necklace were inspired by the pomegranate. The turquoise cabochons that resemble blossoms and the silver protrusions were modeled after silver pomegranate blossoms seen on the trousers of vaqueros (cowboys) from Spain and Mexico. Despite the name, these necklaces have been among the most popular Native American jewelry pieces for decades, dating back to at least the pre-World War II era.

The naja pendant suspended on the necklace is another element borrowed from visitors to the Southwest—Spaniards who adorned their magnificent horses with elaborate harness hardware, including a naja draped over the horse's forehead. The naja design originally came from the Moors. Thus, the necklace is a harmonious blend of favored items from the vaqueros and their horses.

Squash Blossom necklaces stand as a testament to the genius of Diné artisans who skillfully incorporated motifs and design elements from other cultures, creating pieces that are uniquely their own.

We may think that silversmithing among the Diné existed hundreds of years ago, but actually it got its start in 1868 "When Mexican silversmiths came to trade their silver jewelry for blankets or livestock. Some of the early Navajo silversmiths had already learned blacksmithing and were making things such as knives and bridle bits. One of these men was Atsida Sani (Old Smith). He is considered the first Navajo silversmith, having been taught the skill by the Mexican smith known to the Navajo as Nakai Tsosi (Thin Mexican)." [El Palacio 2021:79]The artistry that we commonly associate with the Indigenous peoples of the United States is a vibrant tapestry of cultural influences and historical interactions. It has been shaped, in part, by the Moors, Spanish, and Mexicans, yet it stands today as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of our Native peoples.

Among these, the Diné, or Navajo Nation, hold a special place for their exquisite jewelry creations. These pieces, often crafted from silver and turquoise, are not just visually stunning, but they also carry within them the stories, beliefs, and traditions of the Diné people.

This fusion of influences and the subsequent emergence of a distinct artistic identity underscore the dynamic nature of cultural exchange and adaptation. It highlights how external influences can be absorbed and reinterpreted through the lens of local traditions and sensibilities, resulting in unique artistic expressions that speak to the resilience and creativity of our Native peoples.

In essence, what we perceive as United States Indigenous art is a living, evolving testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation of our Native peoples. It is a mirror reflecting their past, a canvas depicting their present, and a beacon illuminating their future.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Diné Silver and Blue Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace is from the collection of a resident of North Carolina

Reference: El Palacio, Winter 2021, Vol. 126, No.4

TAGS: Southwest Indian Jewelry, Navajo, necklace