Necklace c. 20th century

This necklace, crafted in silver and turquoise by the A'shiwi, or Zuni people, is adorned with potent symbols. The squash blossom design, prominently displayed, is not merely a decorative element. The blossom represents fertility, abundance, and nourishment, deeply rooted in the agricultural life of the Zuni. But the squash blossom is not uniquely Zuni. Across cultures, floral motifs carry similar connotations. In ancient Crete, Minoan goddesses were depicted adorned with flowers, emblems of their life-giving power. Yet, the Zuni squash blossom also incorporates elements of Spanish colonial influence; the crescent shape resonates with the Moorish crescent. It’s a cultural palimpsest, bearing traces of its complex history. Consider how symbols evolve, adapting to new contexts while retaining an emotional core. The subconscious echoes across cultures, finding expression in the language of symbols, forever cyclical and non-linear.