Necklace c. 1960

This necklace, crafted by the Navajo, or Diné people, features a horseshoe pendant, adorned with turquoise stones. In Europe, the horseshoe is an ancient symbol of luck, often nailed above doorways to ward off evil and invite good fortune into the home. Yet, in this Diné necklace, the horseshoe might carry deeper resonances. The Diné, like many cultures, possess rich traditions of symbolism where objects hold protective powers, often connected to the natural world and spiritual well-being. Consider how the arch of the horseshoe mirrors the sacred space of a hogan’s doorway, offering protection. This symbol is not static; it evolves. What began as a charm against malevolence has transformed into a statement of cultural identity and resilience. The turquoise, too, is essential, mirroring the sky and offering protection. In the Navajo tradition, we see echoes of ancient cultural practices, transformed and re-imagined through the lens of a unique cultural experience. Symbols of protection and luck, embedded in the heart of the Diné culture, resurface and evolve, echoing the profound depths of human hope and resilience.