Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Naja. Squash Blossom.Originally Navajo.

Navajo elder woman with Squash Blossom Turquoise and Silver necklace.
(Source: Google Images)

This photograph of an elder Dine' woman is extraordinary in its simple content. The photograph is quite amazing in my opinion, with perfect composition and space its worthy of a prize.

The woman Navajo and would be regarded as a matriarch and would be held in high esteem and therefore called, 'ama saani'....she is 'grandmother.' In the world of the Dine' most elders are regarded as grandmother or grandfather even if they are not related through bloodline to an individual. Becuase of the Navajo clanship relationships many people are related. When addressing a Navajo elder, one should called them "Masani" or "Cheii" as a sign of respect and honor.

In reference to the photograph, the woman is ADORNED with a "squash blossom" necklace as it is known by mainstream culture that is primarily turquoise. Historically the middle half-moon pendant was worn alone on a woven string and by men. As the Navajos came to make more jewelry designed to be asthetically pleasing to buyers and collectors the side pendants, silver beads and turquoise were added in the 20th century era.

Many non-Indigenous scholars claim that the Navajo silversmiths were inspired to make the side "blossoms" after they seen pomegrante plants....but, that is quite silly as such plants do not, or have never grown in the desert southwest. Instead, its more likely Navajo artists were depicting the desert flora and faun in flower blossoms of the squash plants that were planted by Navajo farmers.

I will share more about the truly original Navajo Squash Blossom necklace soon.





Southern Maiden Singers.ADORNED




Another good song by a group of Navajo women whose singing group is called
Southern Maiden Singers



Navajo Women Singers. SNL


This is one of my favorite songs by the Sweethearts of Navajoland's
Social Songs.

The Sweethearts of Navajoland included members: Alberta Wilson, Lillian Ashley, Darlene Juan, Eileen Reed.

The Sweethearts of Navajoland, led by Lillian Ashley, are one of the top traditional singing groups from the Navajo Nation. Formed in 1989, this group has performed throughout the United States and in Europe including the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. The group's name was chosen because the singers come from the area surrounding Chinle, Arizona which is sometimes referred to as the "Heart of Navajo."

I have posted the link here for you to listen:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLQXQCs6f38






Also, for information on the Sweethearts of Navajoland visit Canyon Records site:
http://store.canyonrecords.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=CR-7159

Sweethearts of Navajoland

Members of the Navajo song group, Sweethearts of Navajoland



If any group held up the act of Indigenous ADORNMENT it is the Dine' group called the Sweethearts of Navajoland. They are a group of Navajo women who write their own songs, perform live with a traditional Navajo water drum.

They are truly 'sweethearts' as they always match their Navajo clothing attire when performing to the public. They are truly amazing women, matriarchs to the Dine' nation who hold them in a special place.

Together these women show the true essence of what Navajo female ADORNMENT is. Their outfits (pictured above) are comprised of velveteen long sleeved blouse with collar and a three-tiered gathered skirt. The collars of their shirts are ADORNED with silver and turquoise collar jewelry and they wear woven sash belts with silver concho belts atop them. They wear Navajo style mocassins and deer hide wraps around their calves, the term for such footwear is called, ke'nit'saa.

I love this photograph for it shows the modern world what the Navajo women looks like ADORNED in traditional 20th-21st century Indigenous attire. Nizhon. Nizhon.