Dig It - 12/18/23
Well Seekers, I don’t get many like this any more. This is a beautiful, late19th to early 20th century, all silver Squash Blossom necklace. It is one of the best I have ever had, very simple and very elegant. The naja is unique with the filed grooved bands at that terminals. I was able to find a very similar naja with the same treatment at the terminals in Mera’s book, “Indian Silverwork of the Southwest Illustrated - Volume 1”, Page 68, plate 7, though that example is more elaborate with stones and file work.
On page 132 of “Indian Silver Jewelry of the Southwest 1868-1930”, Larry Frank illustrates a necklace, that is not exactly the same, but shows a similar idea for the naja’s terminals. Frank’s example is in the Millicent Rodgers Museum, and he considers the naja to date to the 1880s.
The beads on my necklace show considerable wear, and the tabs on the squash blossoms are thick and are filed on the edges, both early traits. There’s not much more to say. This is a beautiful early necklace and I’m loath to sell it, but times being what they are and with winter closing in, it is available. Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of Lonesomes treasures.
