Jim Olson; Owner of The Western Trading Post in Casa Grande, AZ with a collection of squash blossom necklaces available for purchase. © Hazel Lights Photography
FALL STYLE GUIDE - A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND BY TIFFANY SELCHOW
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but a squash blossom necklace, well, that is a statement – a statement that is different for each person it adorns. For some, it is a statement of status or wealth. For others, it’s a history of grandmothers and great-grandmothers (or great-grandfathers) who wore the same necklace. For most, it is trendy and who doesn’t love to show off their sense of style? Outside of the Southwest people may see it as nothing more than a fashion trend. But, for those of us who live in this rugged terrain, using the words of Jim Olson, “The squash blossom is uniquely Southwestern, much like the bolo tie. It identifies us as a person who knows this land and the history that comes with it.” Olson is the owner of the Western Trading Post located in Casa Grande, Arizona, which traces its vintage and old pawn jewelry selling roots back to 1877. He’s an expert in his field. When asked why the squash blossom is so popular right now, he admits it’s a trend and over the last few years he’s sold hundreds. Olson has seen this fad before: the 1970’s saw Native American jewelry reach the level of Vogue. An iconic, easily Googled image of Cher shows her in a large squash blossom
necklace. Jim Morrison and even “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis, sported this style. But long before the Native American jewelry boom of the 70’s, the squash blossom, or similar jewelry, had made its mark on cultures around the world. The Naja, the crescent-shaped pendant that hangs from most squash blossom necklaces, is one of the most recognizable parts of this style. This shape was identified in the Paleolithic period and has been seen all the way from ancient Rome to the present day. Each culture has interpreted this shape in a slightly different manner; it was used as a fertility amulet and a protective piece for a horse and rider. The shape made it to North America from both coasts and from different cultures. The Moors, who conquered and occupied Spain for eight centuries, used this symbol as one of protection on their horses’ browbands. It transferred across thousands of miles, from the Moors to the Spaniards, to the Mexicans, to the Navajo, and to other Native American tribes. Silverwork became part of the Navajo culture in the 1820’s and continued to rise in popularity amongst the Diné people. While the Naja doesn’t hold spiritual significance in the Navajo culture, it is still held
14
