Fabulous Navajo hand made turquoise and sterling silver Naja pendant with deep stamp-work, fancy repousse work and scalloped edges. A natural Kingman turquoise stone dangles from the center of the naja. This is another original design by Navajo artist, Darryl Becenti.
The pendant measures 2-3/4 inches long including the oversized scalloped & stamped bale, by 2 inches wide and weighs 25.9 grams. The oversized bale can handle a necklace or beads up to 5/8 inch wide. The pendant is shown here with a sterling silver 10mm bead necklace. Darryl makes matching naja earrings, which we have in stock. Just ask if you are interested.
Brand new in perfect condition. Stamped sterling and has Darryl Becenti's hallmark. Gift box & Authenticity Card included.
Darryl Becenti was born in 1957 in Gallup. New Mexico and raised in Mexican Springs. He was taught silver work by his brothers-in-law, David & Leroy Reeves in 1980.
The crescent shaped naja is one of the most familiar forms in Navajo indian jewelry. It clearly comes from outside the Navajo culture. It is thought to have originated in the Old World as a Spanish horse gear - a third eye placed on the animals forehead to ward off evil. It is often used as a focus piece in " squash blossoms " are actually pomegranate blossoms that were worn as trouser decorations by Spanish Colonial gentleman.