Necklace c. 20th century

This necklace was created by a Navajo, or Diné, artist and is comprised of silver beads, coins, naja and turquoise. As we look at this necklace, it’s important to consider the history of the Navajo people and their interactions with the dominant culture. The Navajo reservation was established in 1868, and the people struggled to maintain their traditional way of life in the face of government policies aimed at assimilation. The making of jewelry, rugs and other crafts became an important part of the Navajo economy and culture. The coins, incorporated into the necklace, are a symbol of economic exchange and cross-cultural contact. The naja, a crescent-shaped pendant, is a design that predates European contact but became associated with Navajo jewelry making in the late 19th century. To fully understand an artwork such as this one, a researcher might consult historical documents, ethnographic studies, and museum collections. By looking at such sources we can consider the impact of colonialism on indigenous art forms, the role of art in cultural preservation, and the ways that art can challenge dominant narratives.