History of the Native American Squash Blossom Necklace

The Native American Squash Blossom necklace is a distinctive and culturally significant piece of jewelry, primarily associated with the Navajo people, though other Southwestern tribes like the Zuni and Hopi also create their own variations. Its origins are deeply rooted in the historical interactions between Native American communities and European cultures, evolving over centuries to become an iconic symbol of Southwestern art.

Elements and Significance of the Squash Blossom Necklace

While the entire necklace has taken its name from one type of bead, the classic squash blossom necklace has three distinct parts: the plain round beads, the squash blossoms that adorn the plain round beads, and the Naja. 

The naja is a crescent-shaped piece that is often worn alone as a pendant or as the center piece of a squash blossom necklace in Southwestern Indian jewelry. The word “naja” is the Navajo word for “crescent.” The naja is also representative of the womb, and when a squash blossom necklace features a single turquoise nugget suspended from the center of the Naja, it is often interpreted to be symbolic of a child in the womb.

Early Influences and Development (1800s)

The design elements of the Squash Blossom necklace did not emerge spontaneously but were influenced by various sources:

Pomegranates and Najas: The earliest inspiration for the "squash blossom" shape itself is believed to come from the Spanish pomegranate motif, a common design element in European and Spanish colonial art. These pomegranate-like beads were initially seen on horse bridles and clothing decorations. The crescent-shaped "naja" pendant, a central feature of many necklaces, has an even older history. The Naja symbol is thought to have originated from Moorish and Spanish iconography, symbolizing protection against the "evil eye," and was adopted by the Spanish, eventually making its way to the Southwest.

Metalworking Introduction: Silverworking among the Navajo people began in the mid-19th century. Atsidi Sani, a Navajo blacksmith, is credited with being one of the first Navajo silversmiths, learning the craft from Mexican silversmiths around the 1850s. Initially, Navajo silversmiths primarily melted down Mexican and American silver coins to create their pieces.

Early Forms: The very first necklaces were simpler, often consisting of silver beads and the naja pendant, without the "blossom" elements. These early pieces sometimes incorporated other elements like crosses or specific tribal symbols.

Evolution of the "Squash Blossom" Element (Late 1800s - Early 1900s)

The addition of the "blossom" elements that give the necklace its name became more prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While often called "squash blossoms," these elements are actually stylized representations of the pomegranate motif or even the flower of the squash plant, which holds significant cultural importance as one of the "Three Sisters" crops – corn, beans, and squash – essential to Native American agriculture.

Growing Popularity: As trade routes developed and interactions with traders and tourists increased, the demand for Native American silver jewelry grew. This led to a refinement of techniques and the standardization of certain designs, including the Squash Blossom necklace.

Materials: Early necklaces were almost exclusively silver. The incorporation of turquoise, now synonymous with Southwestern Native American jewelry, became widespread in the early 20th century as mining operations in the Southwest expanded and the stone became more accessible. Turquoise was highly valued by Native Americans for its spiritual significance and aesthetic beauty.

The Navajo people are believed to have been 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.

Mid-20th Century to Present Day

The mid-20th century saw a boom in the popularity of Native American jewelry, further solidifying the Squash Blossom necklace's status as a classic.

Artistic Variations: While the basic form remains consistent, contemporary artists continue to innovate, incorporating different types of stones, variations in silver work, and unique artistic interpretations.

Cultural Significance: Today, the Squash Blossom necklace remains a powerful symbol of Native American heritage, artistry, and resilience. It is worn for special occasions, cultural ceremonies, and as a statement of identity and pride. Each necklace is a unique work of art, reflecting the individual skill and vision of the silversmith.