Our Naja pendants often intrigue our customers, especially those in the English horse riding world or those unfamiliar with the Native American jewelry.
It is pronounced Na-Ja and is the shape of a crescent, as seen throughout the history of man on cave walls, coats of armor and flags. The crescent can be interpreted as many symbols in many cultures. Because of its' association with the moon, it is therefore associated with the alchemy symbol of silver.
The 17th century Navajo Indians, hammered these crescents to adorn as jewelry. In the Native American culture it is a symbol of the the spiritual aspects of femininity, such as intuition, creativity and wisdom.
With the arrival of the Spanish, came the Moorish symbols seen as a horse bridle ornament to ward off the evil eye for horse and rider. Native Americans adopted the crescent as a horse headstall.The hands seen on some Najas are the "hands of Fatima", known in Moorish history.
Stones began being added after the 1880's.
Najas are the main focal point of the Squash Blossom necklace.
Our Naja pendants change frequently as no two are alike. We encourage you to see them on our site here.
A Navajo Horse Headstall seen at Bonhams Auction.