Native American, Southwestern United States, Zuni, ca. mid-20th century CE. A beautiful sterling silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace set with petite point turquoise stones. A double strand of silver chains is strung with silver spherical beads, and turquoise settings with a trumpet shaped squash blossom projecting from the lower part of the bezel. At the center is a dramatic inverted crescent-shaped pendant, called the "Naja," - the turquoise stones are cut into seed shapes known as Petit Point - iconic of Zuni lapidarists. This necklace is wearable with a hook and loop clasp. Size: 25.5" L (64.8 cm); Naja pendant: 2.75" L x 2.3" W (7 cm x 5.8 cm); silver quality: 94.75%; weight: 155.8 grams

Zuni artisans are highly respected for their stonework and known for their Petit Point cuts of turquoise from the famous Sleeping Beauty Mine, which has a rich robin egg blue hue. The Navajo and Zuni people, and other tribes in the southwest, exchanged both materials and techniques, influencing each other's style of jewelry. According to the Navajo, the Naja is strictly decorative; however, it has always been held in high regard by the Navajo and other peoples.

#175955

Indentations and abrasions to silver settings. A few areas of red corrosion and oxidation. Nicks to a few turquoise stones. Dark patina and toning. Overall great condition and wearable.