Necklace c. 1940s

This necklace, crafted in silver and turquoise by the A'shiwi people, presents potent floral and crescent motifs. The turquoise blossoms, set in silver, evoke not merely botanical beauty but echo a deeper connection to nature and fertility. Consider the crescent shape. Its presence in Zuni jewelry reflects a broad history of lunar symbolism, appearing in ancient Near Eastern iconography, and later morphing into attributes of the Madonna. It is a persistent echo in diverse cultural landscapes. This symbol speaks to the moon's cyclical nature, and its ability to reflect light in darkness; mirroring aspects of subconscious desires. Thus, what we see isn't merely adornment but a sophisticated, psychologically charged expression of cultural memory. The necklace’s symbols reflect the enduring power of inherited forms, each era layering new significance onto ancient foundations.