Old Pawn Zuni Sterling Silver Petit Point Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace │RS For Sale

Up for sale is a gorgeous old pawn Zuni sterling silver and natural petit point turquoisesquash blossom necklace.

The squash blossom is one of the most recognizable artifacts of the Native American Culture. Traditionally associated with the Navajo silversmiths, rather it is a fascinating consolidation of influences traced historically back hundreds of years.

The classic squash blossom necklace features a crescent shaped pendant, called \"Naja\" (Nah-Hah), the Navajo word for \"crescent.\" A symbol that was common to many of the earliest civilizations. In the late 1500s and early 1600s, the saddles and bridles of huge muscled horses of the Spanish Conquistadors where fitted with sterling silver crescent-shaped pendants of Moorish origin.

For the next 200 years, as the two cultures cycled through various phases of peace and conflict in the struggle for power, the Navajo adopted and incorporated these and other traditional Spanish ornaments into their jewelry.

Early on, the Navajo wore the Nah-Hah as an ornament of beauty and these pieces also came to symbolize wealth. Eventually became associated with crop fertility and worn during ceremonies related to the agricultural cycles. It was customary for Medicine men to wear them as well.

With probably a long and sad story to tell they had the ability to tell us their history, Old Pawn Native American Jewelry refers to the pieces that were made, worn and treasured as not only adornment, protection of good health, but also as portable wealth. Not having ready access to banks, or cash money, this jewelry would often serve as the family \"reserve\" or \"emergency\" fund.

In times of need, this silver and turquoise jewelry could be easily used as security with an authorized trader (pawned) for cash to meet the current crisis. Then, when the crops came in, or the sheep were shorn, the jewelry could be redeemed and take its place back in the family.

Unfortunately on occasions this jewelry would not be redeemed as planned. The lender would keep it for the agreed amount of time, and if the loan was not paid off by the agreed date, the Pawn Shop, or Trader would be authorized to sell the jewelry.

Often, when the elders of the family die, their items are pawned and the money is divided among the family style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\">The necklace measures 23\" long and weighs 118.6g.

The naja measures 2-3/4\" tall and 2-3/16\" wide. Squash blossoms measure approximately1\" long and 11/16\" wide.

Hand made beads measure 5/16\" in diameter.

The beads and pendants are all strung on fox-tail chain with a hook and eye clasp.

The necklace has been tested and examined for purity and is sterling silver. In addition, there are no test marks on the piece. The necklace pictured is the one you will receive. Thank you for looking!

Check out myother itemsfor more great deals on timeless authentic Indian jewelry!

The Global Shipping Program is the only international shipping service I offer.Questions?
Use the \"Ask a Question\" link at the bottom of this listing to access our Question & Answer page
Or you can contact us for more specific inquiries.
We look forward to helping you.