The Squash Blossom

The Squash Blossom is certainly the most emblematic piece of Southwestern Native American jewelry. The history of this superb piece of jewelry is fascinating, as much for the beauty of its making as for its origins (stemming from a true cultural fusion).

What is the Squash Blossom?

This superb piece of jewelry is a Native American jewel that is traditionally worn during ceremonies. This necklace is as massive as it is remarkable and is originally composed of a row of silver beads, between which round beads with flared legs are inserted: the latter represent the blossoming of the squash blossoms (the squash is an endemic and precious foodstuff for the Native Americans). At the center of the necklace there is a pendant called the Naja, a crescent with points down, recalling the shape of the horseshoe.

The origins of the Squash Blossom

Around the 1800's, the Navajo (Diné), through contact with the Spanish and Hispanic-Mexican peoples, learned to work with silver and to become true master jewelers. At that time and in many tribes of the Native peoples, silver and other precious metals were worn as ornaments during ceremonies or demonstrations of wealth, the Squash Blossom was a very good example.

The shapes of the squash blossom and the Naja are respectively reminiscent of the pomegranate and the horseshoe, two emblematic elements of Hispanic culture that the Natives have borrowed and reinterpreted.
 

The Squash Blossom : one jewels for a thousand of styles

While the Navajo were certainly the first Natives to develop the Squash Blossom necklace, other Southwestern tribes, such as the Zuni and Hopi, have also made this beautiful piece their own. There are as many designs of Squash Blossom as there are artists who make it:

Squash Blossom in solid silver, Squash Blossom set with some turquoises or Squash Blossom made with the Needle Point technique (meaning entirely set with turquoises) ... Everything is allowed!

Nowadays the Squash Blossom is a ceremonial necklace, as well as a design piece and a superb fashion accessory. At HARPO, you can find a superb selection of Squash Blossom in sterling silver and turquoise, to beautifully dress up your outfits.