The Truth About Turquoise and Utah’s Native Peoples

Turquoise Jewelry

You have probably seen the turquoise often worn by native peoples of the southwest and sold as jewelry. What is the significance of these blue stones made into intricate rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

Wally Brown is Navajo or Dine as they call themselves.  He describes the significance of turquoise at the site Navajo Traditional Teachings. 

The Blue World

There are four worlds in the teachings and the turquoise reminds them of the second world or the blue world. The world we live in now is the third world. Turquoise is a reminder of the life before this one and by wearing it they can remember who they really are. 

“The necklace is worn to let the holy people know that we understand that we came from their presence, and we are their children,” said Brown. They wear the turquoise necklace when they offer up their prayers.

Sacred Symbolism

The turquoise necklace is a symbol for an umbilical cord, according to Brown, that connects them to the holy people. It is also made in a way to symbolize the male and the female. The two loops at the bottom and the two beads together between stones represent the genders.  

There are also two red beads that have significance. Red is at the top of a rainbow. By placing the beads at the top of the loops, it symbolizes the journey from one world to the next. The red is at the transition.  

Significance of the Gift

If you receive a turquoise necklace, you should feel very honored. For those who are not, but want to become Dine, it is given to say you are adopted into their family and clan. 

Now when you see a turquoise necklace, you will know there is more to it than just some pretty jewelry.