Vintage 1970s Navajo Naja Yeibei Brooch Pin, Small Crescent Shaped Southwestern Pin, Handmade Sandcast Yei Bei Kachina Doll, American Folk Jewelry Signed Sterling FJ Hallmark

Vintage 1970s signed Navajo Naja Yeibei Brooch Pin with FJ (Felix Joe?) hallmarks at back. The word “naja” is the Navajo word for “crescent”. Navajo Indian silversmiths began incorporating the naja design into their jewelry. The Navajo were the main Indian tribe that made the najas, but they were also made by some Pueblo tribes as well. The early najas were cast or hammered pendants that were simply decorated with chiseled or stamped designs. The naja design shape is thought to have originated from the Moorish and then borrowed from the Spanish that was used as an ornamental design on horse bridle headstalls and as silver decorations on men’s pants.

Dimensions: 1.75" X 1.25" inches / Weight: 9 grams / All measures are approximate