How did the Navajo squash blossom necklace get its name?
Some say the Navajo squash blossom necklace has a connection to southwestern agriculture, other say the the spread petal design is just that, a design, and that is was only after white man asked, “what is this, what does it mean” did the name squash blossom come to be.
What kind of necklaces do Navajo people wear?
While usually associated with Navajo silversmiths, squash blossom necklaces are also made and worn by Pueblo and Zuni people. Zuni necklaces usually feature needlepoint designs. Although there can be any number of squash blossoms on each side of a necklace, there are often six on each side, making twelve squash blossoms and one central naja.
What kind of beads are used for squash blossom necklaces?
Navajo craftsmen simplified this theme, often to a plain crescent; in fact, the Navajo word. for this ornament is “nazhahi” – now commonly spelled naja which means crescent. The naja was first worn with plain silver beads, but later became a part of the distinctive. squash blossom necklace.
What kind of Indians wear the squash blossom?
Early photographs, several dated about 1890, show the squash blossom worn by Navajos. Navajo are the best known, for they have been the most productive of this piece and have maintained a purity of representation which Zunis and Hopis have not observed. Zuni Indians often expose so little of the flower that it would not appear to be a squash
What is the value of a squash blossom necklace?
This Necklace appears to be an Authentic Native American made Squash Blossom Necklace. The Authentic Squash Blossom Necklaces are currently selling on the secondary market for an average of $2100.00-2500.00, depending on the condition and where they are for sell at.
What is squash blossom jewelry?
The squash blossom beads were fashioned after the pomegranate-shaped buttons on the pants worn by the Spanish. These beads were possibly misnamed long ago by a trader who thought they looked like squash blossoms. The squash blossom necklace today stands as a fusion of cultures and has become synonymous with Southwest American Indian jewelry.
What is a squash blossom?
squash blossom. noun. The yellow or orange edible flower of a squash plant, often stuffed and fried. A decorative motif used especially in Navajo and Pueblo jewelry, typically consisting of a stone or shell center with a fluted extension often resembling the flower of a squash plant.
