Calvin Martinez Naja Pendant

£249.00


Sterling Silver

Length: 47 mm
Width: 37 mm

Handmade and signed by Navajo artist Calvin Martinez

Naja Symbol:
The Navajo, whether directly from the Spanish, or indirectly through the influence of the Plains Indians, adopted the crescent form as a horse headstall (the front-center band of the bridle). Later it became the crowning achievement of their squash-blossom necklaces, hanging symmetrically at the center of the necklace when worn. Although the Navajo claim that the Naja has no precise symbolic or spiritual significance, it is ubiquitous in their culture and held in high esteem.With probable Paleolithic origins, the inverted crescent form (called Naja by the Navajo) has represented the Phoenician goddess of fertility, Astarte, and is mentioned in the Book of Judges among the “ornaments on camels’ necks.” The Moors – who dominated Spain for eight centuries – adopted the crescent as a horse’s bridle ornament, to protect the horse and rider from “the evil eye”. The Spanish then brought the idea to the Americas in the late 16th century.
 

In stock

All of our Native American jewellery is ethically sourced and Fair Trade. Wilde Ones endeavours to consistently handpick the finest pieces from the best Native American artists. To that effect, we have been traveling to Arizona, New Mexico, California and Mexico every year since 1987. It is our pleasure to not only satisfy our customers with top quality products but also nurture strong healthy long-lasting relationships with our incredibly talented Native American craftsmen and craftswomen.