1890s Navajo Sterling Squash Blossom Necklace

Name: 1890s Navajo Sterling Squash Blossom Necklace
Brand: Navajo
Price: 16000 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

The earliest Navajo pieces did not have turquoise; this sand-cast and handmade squash blossom is turn of the century - most probably before; made for own use; simple, stunning and important. There are a vast array of prices on squash blossoms. This particular one is older than most as it is it is Circa 1890. The squash blossom necklace was created in the late 1870s or early 1880s. The Navajo, it is believed, were the first tribe to adopt the design, but by the early 1900s, the art form had spread to neighboring tribes, including the Zuni and the Pueblo. These necklaces peaked in the early 1970s, which is the timeframe you see most on the market (all the way through contemporary). Particularly of interest with this one is that it is sand cast and hand stamped detail. Sandcasting is a generations-old method of jewelry used by Navajo and Native American silversmiths. In the casting process, a design is hand-carved into sandstone, creating a negative space where molten silver or gold can be poured. After casting, the piece is refined and decorated by hand. PERIOD: Late 19th Century ORIGIN: Southwest - Navajo, Native American SIZE: 24"L, naja 3"L x 2 3/4"W The Navajo word for the squash blossom bead literally means “bead that spreads out”. This tri-petal form first appeared about 1880. Scholars believe that this flower motif was introduced by the Spanish as a variation of the pomegranate flower blossom, and the Navajo adapted it as a symbol of their revered squash. 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 as demonstrated in our collection. According to the Navajo, the Naja is strictly decorative; however, it has always been held in high regard by the Navajo and other peoples. Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source.

Creator:

Navajo

Metal:

Silver,Sterling Silver

Dimensions:

Width: 3 in (76.2 mm)Length: 24 in (609.6 mm)

Style:

Native American

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1890-1899