With western fashion becoming more and more prominent, let’s highlight the culture and history of one of the most notable items in western fashion — a piece of jewelry created by Navajo Jewelry Makers called the “Squash Blossom”.
History of the Squash Blossom
Before we can enlighten you about the history of this piece of jewelry, it is imperative to understand its basic shape and make.
The center of attention is the inverted crescent or the Naja. It is surrounded on both sides by the flowering beads which are the only part of this piece of jewelry that resembles its namesake.
The inverted crescent or Naja is a Navajo symbol. The inverted crescent has been used as a pendant and talisman for protection against the evil eye and evil forces or as a symbol of prestige by many civilizations — from the Old Stone Age to the Romans to the Greeks.
The inverted crescent is also prevalent in the Middle East. The Muslim Moors brought it with them as a ward against the evil eye into Spain. Coupled with the long centuries of Muslim rule over Spain, the symbol eventually entered the cultural consciousness of Spain. From Spain, it traveled with the conquistadors to South America where it left an impression on local tribes and peoples, eventually being incorporated into their ornaments and jewelry. Over time it came to be strongly associated with these tribes.
As for the six flowers on each side, there are competing theories —each of which is more interesting than the other. Some say their presence has more to do with pomegranate-shaped ornaments of the Spanish, which were impressed upon the Navajo, while others say they were inspired by the local squash blossom which was a very important and widespread crop for the Navajo.
Then of course, there is the gemstone — turquoise — which holds a special place for the Navajo. Turquoise is simply a bringer of good fortune. The Navajo would store it in baskets or hang it from the ceilings to ward off evil in the home, and they would surround the exteriors of homes or graves with it for the same reason. Warriors would carry it to battle for strength and protection, hunters would bring it on excursions to promote luck and safety. Tribespeople would give it as gifts or symbols of kinship.
Similarly, there are competing views about the origin of the name, which are either a result of a loss in translation or deliberately based on the flower.
Wherever the truth lies, one thing holds true: despite its use by other civilizations, the squash blossom holds no spiritual or ritual significance. Instead, it is a marker of cultural and social prestige, reputation, and wealth for the Navajo and is often made with precious metals and gemstones.
The Squash Blossom is truly a sight to behold and to cherish.
Photo credit to Eagle Rock Trading Post
