necklace with naja pendant, unrecorded A:shiwi or Kewa Pueblo artist

Exhibition Label: "Roots and Journeys: Encountering Global Arts and Cultures," Jul-2011, Nancy Mahaney This pendant, carved from animal back bone, is inlaid with turquoise in a naja design. Naja is a Navajo word meaning crescent. Initially, the design was introduced to Spain by the Islamic Moors possibly as early as the 8th century. The Spanish in turn introduced the motif to the American Southwest, where it adorned horse bridals and was believed to hold a protective symbolism. Archive label, date unknown: Sea shells collected on the west coast of the United States were introducted to the Southwest by traders. Clams, oysters, and abalone shells were often reshaped and inlaid with turquoise to create attractive pendants or they were drilled and strung for necklaces. Turquoise was found locally by the Southwest Indians. The small beads used in jewelry required an arduous drilling process and were highly prized.