Vintage Red Spiny Oyster Squash Blossom Necklace

The naja is set with 33 tear drop shaped red spiny oyster shell with a larger round one in the top, and a red spiny oyster shell flower with twelve spiny oyster shells that dangles in the center.  Each squash blossom has a spiny oyster shell flower on top with fifteen stones.  The squash blossoms are strung on double strands of handmade sterling silver beads that end in silver cones with a hook and eye clasp.  This necklace was part of an older collection of Native American jewelry and has been lightly polished.

Size: 29" Long - Naja 2.5" H x 2" W - Squash blossoms 1.5" H x 1" W

Najas are a prominent symbol in Navajo jewelry and are always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  I was told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands of friendship on each end.