Unusual Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace [SOLD]

This Zuni turquoise inlay squash blossom necklace is most likely one inspired by Zuni Indian Trader C. G. Wallace.  Squash blossom necklaces have traditionally been made by the Navajo smiths and they always contain pomegranate blossoms in silver.  This necklace has roadrunners in lieu of blossoms.  There are other Zuni-made squash blossom necklaces in the Wallace collection at the Heard Museum and they must all have been inspired by Wallace.

In this Southwest Indian Jewelry necklace, there are 12 wonderful roadrunners executed in turquoise, each of which has been textured to illustrate the feathers of the birds.  Each has a black eye of jet material and their legs are fashioned from silver.  The naja has a similar roadrunner enclosed in a turquoise and silver loop with a crown of turquoise at its apex.  Rocks and plants executed in turquoise form the base on which the roadrunner stands.

This is an extremely rare style of squash blossom necklace and is an amazing work of art in wearable form.  It would display beautifully as a necklace being worn or as a framed work of art. 

Condition: appear to be in original condition

Recommended Reading: The C. G. Wallace Collection of American Indian Art, auction catalog November 14, 15, 16, 1975, New York.  This publication is currently not available from Adobe Gallery.

Provenance: from a family in Colorado