Vintage Rare Huge Sterling Silver Coral Squash Blossom Naja Necklace by Navajo Code Talker Lloyd Oliver Navajo 28" Length 250 grams Old Pawn

This is a stunning, rare, special historical piece of Navajo silversmithing history, made by Lloyd Oliver, one of the last Navajo Code Talkers from World War 2.

Lloyd was the second-to-last remaining Navajo Code Talkers of the original group that designed an unbreakable oral code using their native tongue to confuse the Japanese during World War II.

Like thousands of other GIs, Oliver returned to his hometown, married and had a child. Things didn't work out, however, and he moved to Phoenix to find work. There he learned silver and metalsmithing, and developed a distinctive style as a jewellery maker. He supported himself selling his work through Atkinson's Trading Post in Scottsdale, Ariz., continuing well into his late 70s.

Lloyd, among the 29 original code talkers, was honored by President George W. Bush at a celebration in 2001. He received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2001 and served as a guest of honor in the nation's largest Veterans Day parade. Lloyd Oliver died March 16, 2011

Vintage Navajo sterling silver squash blossom necklace, with 24 stunning coral cabochons. In excellent condition, lovely patina. I think the catch is non original, it's a box catch, traditionally this would have been a hook. I also think over the years this piece has been slightly modified as their are two small plates on the reverse of the Naja. Silver and coral squash blossom naja necklace, a massive 250 grams in weight.


Dimensions of Naja:
Width 3.5"
Height 3.5"
Length 28"
Weight 250 grams
Full length with naja equivalent to 32"

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An original squash blossom necklace is formed with silver and turquoise and entails round silver beads intermingled with beads that appear like they are blooming, all which lead down to a horse-shoe like pendant at the bottom called the Naja.

The Navajo tribe was the first to adopt this design after encounters with the Spanish Mexicans that arrived at their land. The name ‘squash blossom’ originated by the signature beads found in the necklace, that spread out like a blossoming flower.

The Naja symbol was created as a talisman for protection, to ward off evil spirits. The Naja shape has also been known as an illustration of the womb, and when a squash blossom necklace has one turquoise piece suspended from the Naja, it is interpreted to be a representation of a child in the womb.