Frank Dishta, Zuni - Sterling Silver |
6.25 mm handmade beads strung on braided cord.
Dealer's mark engraved on the back. |
Frank Dishta, Zuni | ||||||||||||
Paula says - "This highly collectible, museum quality. "book piece", squash-blossom necklace was likely made in the 1930s-1940s. It is inlaid with natural turquoise, and features 12 squash-blossoms and a beautiful inlaid naja. Hand made sterling silver beads. Even dark patina consistent with the age of the piece."
Naja 1 3/4" x 1 3/4".
Naja is 2 3/8" x 2 3/8".
Hook and eye closure.
12 squash blossoms 1 1/4" x 3/4".
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26 inches end to end.
Frank Dishta Sr. ca. 1902-1954 from Zuni Pueblo, NM is best known for his exquisite channel inlay jewelry. He is one of the first jewelers to work for Trader C.G. Wallace, starting in the late 1920's.
Below are pages from the book at left in which his work is featured. Not that the turquoise squash blossom necklace depicted in the book is the same style as the one for sale here.
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Squash Blossom SymbolismCorn, squash and beans are the traditional mainstays of the southwestern diet, culture and symbolism and are used in many ways in art and ceremony. The squash blossom represents abundant life. What is a squash blossom necklace?"Some say the Navajo squash blossom necklace has a connection to southwestern agriculture, other say the the spread petal design is just that, a design, and that is was only after white man asked, “what is this, what does it mean” did the name squash blossom come to be. Yet others say the Navajo copied a similar Spanish design of the pomegranate – look at the end of a pomegranate sometime and compare it to the “squash blossom” bead. "The Navajo word for the “squash blossom” bead means “bead that spreads out” so it would seem to me that the original intent was design, not squash. But what do I know, I wasn’t around in 1880 when spread beads first appeared. "Whichever is the true account, it seems that originally Navajo silversmiths used simple silver bead necklaces to suspend their naja pendants. In about 1880, the tri-petal form that we know as a squash blossom bead appeared. "At first, tri-petal silver beads were simply interspersed with plain beads in a naja necklace. Then stones began to be added to the blossom beads partly to please the maker but mostly to satisfy customer demand. "While usually associated with Navajo silversmiths, squash blossom necklaces are also made and worn by Pueblo and Zuni people. Zuni necklaces usually feature needlepoint designs. Although there can be any number of squash blossoms on each side of a necklace, there are often six on each side, making twelve squash blossoms and one central naja. "Full size squash blossom necklaces are often quite large and heavy and most suitable for occasional ceremonial wear. Smaller, lighter versions are made to be worn as everyday jewelry." - Paula What is a Naja?The
horseshoe shaped naja originated with the Moors in Spain. It is a good luck charm
to ward off the evil eye. It was often used on the browband of Moorish Horses.
It is thought that it came to Mexico via the Spanish Moors and from there was
adopted by the Navajo Indians. The naja is the base pendant of many ornate squash
blossom necklaces: read
more . . . |
NOTE:
Items in our Vintage Shop are either USED or NEW. They might come from inheritances,
estate sales, private collections, and store liquidations. Many items are brand
new (NOS, New Old Stock) and in perfect condition while others may show tarnish,
scratches and other signs of use. Major issues will be described in detail and
shown in photos. Vintage Shop items are sold as described and are not returnable. |
Horsekeeping
LLC - Definitions of Jewelry Age and Condition © 2015 Horsekeeping LLC © Copyright Information | |
Patina | A dark or colored film of oxidation that forms naturally on metal exposure to air and other elements. It is often valued for its aesthetically pleasing appearance. |
Vintage | 30 years or older. |
NOS | New Old Stock. Retail store inventory from at least 10 years ago. |
Pre-owned | An item that has been used. |
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