Squash-blossom Necklace c. 1900

This is a Squash-blossom Necklace, created by an unknown Navajo (Diné) artist and currently housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It's a striking piece, composed of round, silver beads that form a graceful arc, punctuated by delicate squash-blossom pendants. The necklace employs a sophisticated use of repetition and symmetry. Notice the careful arrangement of the beads and blossoms. The repetition creates a rhythm, while the symmetrical layout gives a sense of balance and harmony. This formal structure is not merely decorative. In the Navajo tradition, such designs carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. The squash blossom, for instance, is thought to represent fertility and abundance. The necklace challenges the usual divide between form and meaning. The careful design and arrangement serve to both beautify and communicate meaning. It reminds us that form is never empty. The design elements function as signs, each contributing to a layered cultural narrative. This interplay makes the necklace more than just an ornament. It is a piece that embodies cultural significance and ongoing interpretation.