Turquoise as a sacred stone of the Navajo

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Turquoise (Doot kl'izhii)

A Navajo Sacred Stone

Turquoise is considered one of the four sacred stones of the Navajo. For centuries they have regarded it as a valuable talisman and take pride in its possession. Sheepherders have carried a turquoise fetish to insure fertility of the sheep, hunters to insure success in the hunt, and warriors to insure victory and a safe return.

Traditionally a bead of turquoise was fastened to a lock of hair to protect the Navajo from being struck by lightning and believed to be a safeguard against snake bite. Every household would have a buckskin pouch of herbs, turquoise and shell to add protection against any unexpected event or catastrophe.

The four sacred stones of the Navajo are:

turquoise
white shell
abalone shell
black jet

Visit the Navajo Co-op Store Jewelry.

The Gathering Place
P.O. Box 838 - 23 First Street
Thoreau, New Mexico 87323
(505) 862-8075 or (800) 862-5763
Fax: (505) 862-8809
dineh838@yahoo.com